The Orlando Magic star who will be ready for the start of the NBA 2025/26 season

Orlando Magic's guard, Jalen Suggs, will be available for the team's regular-season debut this Wednesday against the Miami Heat, as confirmed today by coach Jamahl Mosley, as reported by Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel.

The news is a relief for the organization, which had been monitoring the player's progress for months after the surgery he underwent in March to remove cartilage fragments from his left knee. That procedure ended his 2024/25 season, forcing him to focus all summer on a long and meticulous rehabilitation process.

During the preseason, Suggs did not play any games, and his availability for the start of the season had been in doubt until this week. Initially listed as questionable for the league debut, Mosley stated that the 24-year-old player has responded positively in recent days, reaching the point of being able to fully participate in 5-on-5 practices.

"It's great to see him involved in full-contact drills with his teammates again," Mosley explained on Tuesday. "Having him back means a lot to us. We know what he brings: his energy, toughness, defensive presence as the head of the snake, and also his ability to control the team's offensive rhythm."

A crucial return for Orlando's structure

Though not the main offensive focal point of the team, Suggs remains an essential piece in Mosley's scheme. He is expected to take on the role of the fourth offensive option behind Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane, but his value goes beyond scoring.

Suggs was named to the NBA's Second All-Defensive Team in the 2023/24 season, highlighting his impact on defense and the intensity he brings every time he steps on the court. His return brings back the player who posted career-best numbers last season, averaging 16.2 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, although he only played in 35 games due to physical issues.

In those games, the Magic achieved a solid record of 20 wins and 15 losses, despite extended absences of Banchero and Wagner. In contrast, the team had a record of 21-26 without Suggs, underscoring his influence on both offense and defense.

Mosley emphasized that the team will be "smart and think long-term" with Suggs' management, indicating that the guard will likely start the season on a minutes restriction. Additionally, the coaching staff is expected to take a cautious approach on back-to-back games, avoiding exposing him to excessive physical strain during the initial weeks of competition.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La estrella de Orlando Magic que estará lista para el inicio de temporada NBA 2025/26