Crippling Back Spasms Bench Magic Guard Jalen Suggs, Requiring Wheelchair Exit

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, the team’s fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, suffered a season-ending back injury that required him to exit the game in a wheelchair during Tuesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.

An Unfortunate Turn

Suggs suffered the injury midway through the third quarter when he landed awkwardly after a jump stop. He immediately grabbed his lower back and collapsed to the court in pain. Teammates and medical staff rushed to his aid, and he was helped to his feet and escorted to the locker room. The Magic announced after the game that Suggs had suffered a back spasm and would be out for the rest of the season.

A Promising Season Cut Short

The injury is a major blow to the Magic, who were hoping to make a playoff push this season with Suggs leading the way. The 20-year-old guard has been one of the team’s most consistent players this season, averaging 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He has also shown flashes of his potential as a playmaker and defender, and the Magic were hoping he would take a big step forward in his sophomore season.

A History of Back Problems

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Suggs has dealt with back problems. He missed several games during his freshman season at Gonzaga due to a back injury, and he has also had back spasms in the past. It is unclear at this point whether Suggs’ current injury is related to his previous back problems, but the Magic will be closely monitoring his progress.

Outlook for the Magic

The Magic are now without their starting point guard and one of their most promising young players. It is a major setback for the team, but they will need to find a way to move forward without him. Cole Anthony will likely take over as the starting point guard, and the Magic will need him to step up and lead the team. They will also need to find more production from their other young players, such as Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.

Conclusion

Jalen Suggs’ back injury is a major disappointment for the Magic and for the player himself. It is unclear at this point how long he will be out, but it is clear that he will be a big loss for the team. The Magic will need to find a way to move forward without him, but it will be a challenge.

This news article provides an overview of the recent injury to Magic guard Jalen Suggs, who suffered a season-ending back spasm and required a wheelchair to exit the game. The article discusses the implications of the injury for Suggs and the Magic, as well as his history of back problems. It concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of the injury for the team’s playoff hopes.