While the majority of young players entering professional basketball are content to secure a place in the NBA, a select few are fortunate enough to be considered top draft picks, generating considerable hype around their potential. Although teenagers in this position typically feel overwhelmed, Gonzaga prospect Jalen Suggs adopted a markedly different approach.
Upon finding out that he would not be selected among the top 3 picks in the 2021 draft class, the 6’5” guard issued a stern warning to NBA teams who were willing to pass him.
Snuggs wasn’t pleased with his draft status
Even before he joined Gonzaga, Suggs was a beast with high potential. He averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 steals per game while representing Minnehaha Academy in Minnesota. Not only did he depart from his high school as its all-time leading scorer, but he also garnered accolades like Minnesota Mr. Basketball and Minnesota AP Player of the Year.
Consequently, he was ranked as the No. 5 prospect on ESPN’s Top 100 list for the Class of 2020. Furthermore, Suggs became the highest-ranked recruit ever to join Gonzaga. In his lone spell in college, the Minnesota native showed his mettle, averaging 14.4 points and 5.3 rebounds, along with leading the team in assists and steals.
However, despite leading his team to the NCAA Championship game, the promising guard was missing from all top-three draft pick mock lists. Jalen, who made his name known in basketball and football before turning pro, was understandably frustrated about not being counted among the elite. He made it clear on draft night that teams overlooking him would regret it.
"I will say the ones that do pass up on me and take another prospect, you know, it'll come back, it'd be to their detriment," Suggs said . "You can look at my track record and what I’ve done and where I've been, you know, it's always win at a high level."
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Did Suggs make teams regret passing him?
The four players drafted ahead of Suggs were Cade Cunningham, who averaged 17.3 points per game; Jalen Green, who also averaged 17.3 points on the dot; Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes, who were both around 15 points and eight rebounds in their rookie campaigns.
Notably, all four were ranked higher than Suggs in the ROY race, with Barnes taking home the trophy. Although the Orlando Magic guard demonstrated his capabilities by earning a place on the All-Rookie Defensive Team, he quickly learned that all those NBA teams had made informed decisions, as these four players played significant roles on their respective teams.
Despite this, the 6'5" guard's recent All-Defensive Second Team nod shows he’s a key player for the Magic’s progress. If he boosts his stats in the 2024-25 season, he could make other teams rethink their draft decisions.
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