Magic’s Jalen Suggs To Undergo Surgery, Remains Out Indefinitely

Magic guard Jalen Suggs is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove a cartilage fragment from his left knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Magic confirmed the news, noting that Suggs’ recovery timeline will depend on how well his body responds to rehabilitation.

The surgery, scheduled to take place this week, was reported by Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel. The team remains optimistic that Suggs will make a full recovery.

Suggs, an All-Defensive Team selection, has faced significant injury setbacks this season, limiting his time on the court with the Magic’s core players, including All-Star forward Paolo Banchero and starting forward Franz Wagner. The trio has played just 97 minutes together this season, further complicating Orlando’s efforts to develop chemistry and maintain success.

Earlier this week, Suggs was ruled out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a trochlea injury in his left knee. Before opting for surgery, the Magioc explored several non-surgical treatment options, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and rest.

The 23-year-old had already missed 14 consecutive games with what was initially diagnosed as a left quad contusion, and he has been absent for 24 of Orlando’s last 25 contests. A back strain was responsible for the other 10 absences.

Suggs had been progressing toward a return to the lineup in recent weeks, but lingering discomfort in his left knee prompted additional imaging, revealing the trochlea injury.

In 2024-25, the former No. 5 overall pick out of Gonzaga has averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Widely regarded as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, Suggs’ absence has been felt on both ends of the floor.

The Magic have performed better when Suggs has been healthy, holding a 20-15 record in the 35 games he has played this season. In contrast, Orlando has struggled to a 9-17 mark in his absence. Once a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference, the Magic now sit at 29-32, holding the No. 8 spot.

Suggs signed a five-year, $150.5 million rookie scale extension in October, which will take effect next season. The deal underscores his importance to the franchise’s long-term future, but his recovery from surgery now casts uncertainty over the remainder of Orlando’s 2024-25 campaign.