Jalen Suggs: 2021 Scouting Report

Bio and Measurables:

Strengths: In almost any other draft, Jalen Suggs would be in the conversation as the first overall pick however he is projected to fall out of the top three this year. It is hard to find something that Suggs can’t do on the court as the best “all-around” point guard coming into the NBA in 2021. Offensively he has shown that he is a gifted passer and decision maker, both in the open floor and the half-court. Most comfortable with the ball in his hands, Suggs has shown that his high basketball IQ will help him become the next NBA floor general for the organization that drafts him. As a scorer Suggs showed that he has the potential to score at all three levels at the collegiate level. According to bartorvik.com, Suggs converted on 44% of his two point shots that were considered jumps, hooks or floaters. Only 4.5% of those shots were assisted which tells the story that Suggs can not only distribute the ball but can also score, which is especially important in the pick and roll. Being a dual threat as the primary ball handler will help open up the offense and force defenses to stay away from hard hedges, double teams and traps out of the PNR. At the rim, Suggs has shown that he has the athleticism to play above and below, finishing through contact and on both sides of the basket at a 63.4% clip. When he enters the league he will continue to develop as a player and three point shooter. Even though he didn’t shoot poorly from the three point line he showed that he has the shot mechanics to be an even better jump shooter from behind the arc. Suggs entire game is powered by his athleticism, which we mentioned in regards to playing above rim but it should be emphasized, and will be an advantage he has over some of the players in this draft class and around the league. Being able to push the ball in transition and make the right decision helps capitalize on his athletic ability which should be seen often at the current pace of the NBA. Defensively, Suggs has shown that he will be able to defend guards at the next level and could even manage to guard a smaller forward on a switch. Leaning a bit on his athleticism Suggs has active hands, solid lateral quickness and has shown he can play team defense. At his best, he tends to capitalize on defenders turning their back to the basket coming up from the weak side and creating a live ball turnover which usually ends in transition points. The potential that Suggs brings on both ends will make an immediate impact on the team that drafts him. 

Areas of improvement: Jalen Suggs does a lot right and has shown that he has the potential to get even better on both sides of the floor. However, even the most “complete” prospects have the ability to improve in areas of their game. As a ballhandler, Suggs has a tendency to force it at times as a passer and scorer. Charging uncontrollably into defenses and ending up on the receiving end of an offensive foul, he will need to know when he has an opening or when to stop short and take a jumper. Especially since the game is going to speed up at the next level and defenders will get to their spots quicker than what he experienced in the NCAA it is pertinent that he stays on the floor instead of adding avoidable fouls to his total. His passing can be tightened up as he was prone to letting turnovers pile up. In 11 games this season Suggs had 4+ turnovers, as he grows he will need to focus on not compounding his mistakes which could lead to live ball turnovers and easy transition points for the opposing team. In regards to his scoring ability, he has the potential to be a three level scorer but has some work to do currently. As a rookie, his 33.7% shooting clip from deep will be serviceable but not sustainable. If he wants to become a premier point guard in the league he will have to become a more consistent three point shooter as he develops. At the collegiate level he was rarely a volume three point shooter, especially on a team with Corey Kispert, but in 12 games he didn’t hit a single three point when 1< was attempted. During his rookie season he should focus on consistency and the offensive production will come. Inside the arc, he shot 63% around the rim and 44.0% on all other two point baskets. All of these areas can be improved upon and he should have no problem becoming a high level guard at the next level. 

External Factors: Suggs not only is a success story on the hardwood but also helped lead his high school team to a championship in football. In part, his athletic ability runs in the family as he is related to Terrell Suggs and former NBA All-Star Eddie Jones. 

Medical History: Suggs missed two games during the season after falling awkwardly against West Virginia. Escaping any serious damage, Suggs made his return to the court thereafter and showed no signs of a lingering issue. He went on to help lead Gonzaga to a championship appearance against Baylor. 

Summary: Suggs clearly has room for improvement in a few areas of his game but overall, the good mightily outweighs the bad. After watching him this season, Suggs is one of the “safer” selections at the top of the draft board and should be a starter for years to come. Already nudging his way into the conversation as a three level scorer with the potential to become a top tier defensive guard, Suggs will have no problem finding a starting spot on an upper lottery team. A multi-dimensional guard he has shown that he can not only create shots for his teammates in the halfcourt, off the PNR, or in transition but also get a bucket for himself. As he develops in his rookie season he should focus on taking care of the basketball and developing a more consistent jumpshot from behind the three point line. When the game slows down for Suggs it benefits everyone on the floor. In the NBA, he will need to adjust to the pace of play and work on his decision making as he has the tendency to take avoidable fouls. With all of this being said, Suggs will hear his name called on draft night early and may even jump some of the other top picks vaulting into the top three because even his areas of improvement can be fixed within his first year. 

MIP Projection: 4th Overall