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NBA Draft: 4 ways Jalen Suggs would help Cavs if he’s #3 pick

By Justin Brownlow

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs celebrates after making a game-winning three-point basket in the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs celebrates after making a game-winning three-point basket in the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Suggs, Cleveland Cavaliers
Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs looks to make a play. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

#2: Suggs would help the Cavs playmaking

You will not last a long time in the NBA as a starting guard, in particular, if you don’t make your teammates around you better. There are a couple of reasons that Sexton may be headed out of Cleveland. To that point, one reason is clearly that he does not make those around him better. Suggs, on the other hand is a natural playmaker.

The pick-and-roll game is huge in the NBA right now. Luckily for Suggs, he thrives out of pick-and-roll situations. This past season at Gonzaga, the Bulldogs scored 1.056 points per possession when Suggs passed out of the pick-and-roll, per Synergy Sports and as h/t Tyler Metcalf of Hashtag Basketball. That’s incredibly efficient, and proof that Suggs can be a major playmaker.

He does need to refine his ball-handling and become more patient at times, but he has excellent vision and is smart with the basketball. He’s also very good at starting the fastbreak early. Once he gets the ball in the backcourt, his eyes are immediately up the floor looking for outlets.

#3: Suggs would be an impact defender for the Cavs

Suggs isn’t the best defender in the 2021 NBA Draft, but he’s certainly up there. As I stated earlier, Suggs was a top-flight high school football player as well. His perimeter defense is something that can’t be taught.

He’s a fierce competitor, and he will put the effort in early to become a good defender. Yes, he has incredible playmaking ability, and can put the ball in the hoop, but his defense is something that will stick out in the NBA early in his career.

He does a great job of getting between his player and the rim. On top of all of that, defense is a lot about effort. Suggs has a high motor, and will certainly put his time into getting better on the defensive side of the ball.