Jamahl Mosley Reveals NBA Feedback On Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley on Wednesday called it a fantastic experience for rookies Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner to participate in NBA All-Star Weekend.

Suggs and Wagner were among the 12 rookie players selected to compete in the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday. Suggs scored 16 points for Team Worthy in a semifinal loss while Wagner hit the game-winning free throw for Team Barry to win the championship.

Mosley reflected on what the weekend meant for his two rookies.

I was excited to be there with them for them to experience that around All-Stars and their peers to just enjoy and take in that time in that environment coming on the 75th anniversary. I think for them to experience the league and what it means to be in the league and be a part of it was fantastic for them. They had a great time. They had fun on the court playing with and for each other.

Suggs and Wagner have emerged as two of the top first-year players this season. Suggs is posting 12.6 points, 4.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds while Wagner leads all rookie players in scoring and is in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.

They have made an impression on teams and their peers from around the league. Mosley received strong feedback from his conversations over All-Star Weekend and how teams view the two rookies.

They talk about their competitive spirit. They talk about how hard they play, their basketball IQs. With these guys, everyone takes notice on how well they play off of one another and the joy and passion they play with on the court, their toughness and their willingness to compete every single night.

Magic guard R.J. Hampton has seen improvement with both players.

I think I’ve seen get them better. With Jalen, and his injury when he came back, I think he was full-throttle ready to go. He took that time to learn and grow. I think Franz has been great all season. I think I saw a stat that he has been the only player in the NBA to start and play in all 60 games so that is amazing. Hats off to him. Those two guys are great for our franchise.

Of course, the rookie duo of Suggs and Wagner were also joined for the festivities by Magic guard Cole Anthony, who participated in the Slam Dunk Contest. He lost in the first round but had everyone talking after throwing down his first dunk in Timberlands.

Magic guard R.J. Hampton was proud of how they did over the weekend.

It was amazing. For them three to go out and represent our organization like they did was great. Hats off to Cole for even being in the Dunk Contest, that is definitely a big accomplishment. I think they had a lot of fun and I’m happy for them.

With the festivities now over, the Magic returned to practice on Wednesday as the team looks ahead to the final 22 games of the season. They will be playing for themselves as they want to get better and build positive momentum heading into next season.

Certainly, the continued development of Suggs and Wagner will be worth monitoring.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!