Josh Giddey was looking for Jalen Suggs-like contract, worth five years, $150.5 million, from Bulls

How has Franz Wagner taken his game to another level? Jalen Suggs: “Special. He’s been special since the day that we got drafted together. It’s really cool. He’s so intellectual, a bit calmer and I’m a bit crazier. I’m unpredictable. So it’s really cool. I get to learn from somebody that is a bit of my opposite. We share a lot of the same core values in terms of character, love and competitiveness. We can grow and bounce off of each other. It’s been amazing to see him grow and see him be aggressive with really picking apart the game both physically and mentally.” -via SportsKeeda / November 21, 2024

What does the extension mean to you? Jalen Suggs: “It was really cool, man. It made me very reflective. Not only the whole negotiation process, but especially afterwards. There is just so many people throughout my lifetime who have poured into me – coaches, family, friends – as big as providing financially and as little as just providing fellowship and love. All of that helped me get to this point where I’m at today. So it really brought all of that into the picture. All the ‘Congrats’ and all the people that were texting me, I thought they all deserved really personal messages. All of them played a role in this, no matter how big or how small. “Everything impacted my growth with me getting here. So it was really cool looking back on the journey, how far I have come and how far my family has come with the sacrifices they’ve made and now they don’t have to worry about anything. My sisters are straight. My grandparents are straight. I’m able to take care of my family for generations, which is always a goal. It was a really cool moment.” -via SportsKeeda / November 21, 2024

Even before you signed the extension, you have said the Magic organization molded you after drafting you. In what ways did that shape your growth? Jalen Suggs: “Tremendously. You go from high school for a great four years at a place that taught me and really prepared me in the next phases of my life academically and spiritually (Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis). Character-wise, it helped grow me into who Jalen Suggs was as a young man. College was really quick. But Coach [Mark] Few at Gonzaga and all of the boys I had there played a role in getting me through a tough year without family. They became my family, even to this day. “Then you come to Orlando and now this is the place where I’ve been for four years in critical stages of my growth. We’re talking from age 19 to 23. This is the place that I call my home. These are the people that I’ve called my brothers, uncles and OGs. They’re the ones that I’m learning from and creating memories with. This place will always have a special spot in my heart from players, coaches, front office and the fans. There’s ups and downs and good and bad days. I’ve received nothing but love. Every time I walk out the door in Orlando and go out and do anything, I’m receiving love and good energy from the people. So this place has been a blessing, man.” -via SportsKeeda / November 21, 2024

KC Johnson: Asked if he’s considering a lineup change to address Josh Giddey getting targeted often, Billy Donovan talked generally about schematic assistance while acknowledging Giddey needs to improve at that end. Giddey said same in Cleveland. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / November 17, 2024

KC Johnson: Josh Giddey: “I wouldn’t have played myself if I was Billy either. I was bad at both ends.” -via x.com / November 15, 2024

KC Johnson: Giddey: “I want to be better on (defensive) side of the ball and I thought I was making steps in the right direction. To have a night like tonight kind of kills your confidence. I have to way better and will be going forward.” -via x.com / November 15, 2024