Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs said his post-surgery rehabilitation turned this offseason into the toughest stretch of his NBA career, but the 24-year-old insists he feels “really good” with training camp less than a week away.
Suggs was limited to 35 games last season by back, quad and knee problems before undergoing a knee procedure in early March. Speaking with reporters, he explained that completely addressing the injury should prevent any changes to his natural movement once play resumes. “When it’s time to play instinctively, I can do it without a doubt,” he said.
The Magic were forced into the play-in tournament last spring after extended absences for Suggs, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With all three expected to open camp at full strength—and newly acquired guard Desmond Bane joining the roster—team expectations are climbing. Suggs added that a summer focused on conditioning left his upper and lower body feeling “the best” they have in his career.
Forward Tristan Da Silva also returns to Orlando fresh off a EuroBasket gold medal with Germany, where he played alongside his brother and Magic teammate Franz Wagner. Da Silva noted that head coach Jamahl Mosley is eager to study the German squad’s success and believes Wagner’s summer performance will set a tone for Orlando’s locker room.
In Washington, rookie center Alex Sarr will miss the start of camp after suffering a right calf injury during EuroBasket, according to general manager Will Dawkins. The team hopes the No. 2 overall pick will be able to participate near the end of camp. Dawkins also said second-year wing Bilal Coulibaly, who underwent thumb ligament surgery earlier this month, is on track to return during the first or second week of the regular season.
The Atlanta Hawks announced that Ashton Smith, a player development coach with the club last season, has been promoted to a full assistant coach role for 2025-26.
Source: Hoops Rumors
