Jalen Suggs has played just 16 minutes in one game since Jan. 5, first because of a lower back strain and then because of a knee issue.
That knee issue is now going to sideline him indefinitely, the Magic announced.
It would be a surprise if he returns this season, although the Magic have not ruled it out.
As Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel explains, the trochlea is “a groove in the lower end of the femur that guides the kneecap during knee movements.” An injury there is both painful and leads to knee instability (which can lead to other injuries).
While a treatment plan is still being developed, Suggs is expected to make a full recovery. The Magic hope so. Last summer, Suggs signed a five-year, $150 million rookie contract extension that kicks in next season. They locked down Suggs to be part of their long-term future.
This is a blow to an Orlando team looking to make noise in the playoffs because Suggs is a fantastic point-of-attack defender who averaged 16.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists a game this season. On a team short with shot creators, Suggs was one of the guys the Magic leaned on to do just that.
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