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Magic Connection: Jalen Suggs, R.J. Hampton picking up friendship in Orlando

Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

When the Toronto Raptors passed on Jalen Suggs in the NBA draft, a large contingent of fans erupted with cheer and applause inside of the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

The fans at the draft party knew that likely meant one thing: The Magic were selecting Suggs at No. 5.

Magic fans began chanting “Suggs! Suggs! Suggs!” once Orlando was on the clock in hopes the team would take the former Gonzaga guard. They eventually grew quiet as it became time for NBA commissioner Adam Silver to announce the fifth overall pick by the Magic.

Then, the arena erupted as Silver announced his name with the fifth pick.

Among those in attendance on Thursday were Magic guard R.J. Hampton and center Wendell Carter Jr. With the potential of landing a franchise-changing prospect, the draft proved to be a rather monumental occasion and they wanted to be on hand to celebrate the night.

The selection of Scottie Barnes by the Raptors with the fourth overall pick was the first surprise of the night. Suggs had been heavily linked to the Raptors and seemed fairly confident he wouldn’t fall past them. In fact, he didn’t even work out with the Magic.

Despite falling, Suggs loves his fit with the Magic and is ecstatic to join the organization. But, perhaps no one in that crowd was happier with the pick than Hampton.

Suggs and Hampton have known each other for several years now, and even unknowingly matched up on the court in high school. They eventually became teammates with USA Basketball in the 2017 FIBA Americas U-16 Championship and 2018 FIBA U-17 World Cup.

The two helped Team USA to gold in Argentina in 2018 after defeating France in the championship game. Suggs averaged 8.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds in seven tournament games, while Hampton posted 7.5 points in two games.

“Me and R.J. go way back,” Suggs said during his introductory press conference with the Magic on Friday, which Hampton attended. “He is just great people. He comes from a great family, all down-to-earth and genuine-loving people.

“I remember sitting in a Buffalo Wild Wings with USA Basketball and R.J. and I were watching the draft like, ‘This is going to be us in a couple of years. How crazy would it be if ended up on the same team?’ It turned out that we’re here together.”

Suggs and Hampton were among 12 players that won gold in 2018 with USA Basketball. (FIBA. Basketball)

The reunion between Suggs and Hampton was possible following a trade last season that sent Hampton to the Magic from the Denver Nuggets in the deal involving Aaron Gordon.

Hampton later said the Nuggets did him a favor by sending him to Orlando because he finally had the opportunity to log significant minutes with the Magic.

He made the most of his time, averaging 11.2 points, five rebounds and 2.8 assists in 26 games. He was named the Rookie of the Month in May, posting 16 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

Now, the two are part of a young roster in the beginning stages of a rebuild. They figure to be important pieces of the puzzle as Orlando looks to build toward the future.

With a roster that includes Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner and others, the front office appears to have constructed a strong foundation to build around.

Suggs and Hampton will soon hit the court with the Magic in summer league, their first time on the same team in three years. They will certainly be hoping for the same result as the last time they were teammates.

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

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