The Orlando Magic decided to retool their roster beginning the process at the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline. They traded away multiple veterans to open up opportunities for the younger guys on the team who needed minutes to help their development. One of those youngs looking to make the most of those opportunities is Cole Anthony.
Anthony was selected No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, struggled at times as a rookie. He appeared in only 47 games, starting 34 of them, because of injuries that kept him sidelined. Right when he was starting to put things together in an expanded role because of the injury Markelle Fultz suffered, he suffered an injury of his own.
He missed nearly two months of action because of a non-displaced rib fracture. Upon his return in April, he had some good performances once again. The former Tar Heel carried that momentum into his sophomore season.
Cole Anthony has been one of the bright spots for the Orlando Magic in the early going. He is averaging a team-high 19.6 points, 5.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game, adding 6.8 rebounds, which is third on the team. His shooting percentages have improved across the board as well, as Anthony is in the midst of a true breakout season.
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Orlando has to be happy with the step-up in production Cole Anthony is providing in his second season from his rookie year. Recently, in an interview with HoopsHype, his teammate, center Mo Bamba, revealed that it is the work ethic that Anthony has which has enabled him to take that next step.
“His work ethic. He’s always had this work ethic where he continues to work, whether he’s playing well or bad. He’s one of the hardest-working guys that I know”
Whatever it is that Cole Anthony is doing, the rest of his teammates should follow suit. He is receiving more minutes, and in turn, more chances to produce, but you still have to make the most of those opportunities.
Statistics aren’t going to improve just because you receive more playing time. Players need to put in that work to achieve more production and Anthony has been doing it.
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Orlando has to be excited about the future of their backcourt with Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs and R.J. Hampton soaking up the minutes at the guard spots.
