“With the 15th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select Cole Anthony, from the University of North Carolina!”
That surely gave most Magic fans some shivers as Adam Silver announced the newest member of the Orlando Magic. Orlando did indeed land Cole Anthony, one of the best scorers on the board. The chances of landing Anthony were quite good, especially with the run of forwards many picks before. Forwards Patrick Williams (4th overall), Isaac Okoro (5th overall), Deni Avdija (9th overall), and Jalen Smith (10th overall) were all selected higher than they were projected to. Some of the top-tier guards in this draft also fell down the board, as this was the case with Tyrese Haliburton (12th overall), and Kira Lewis (13th overall). Regardless of this, Anthony will now call Orlando home and will get to suit up with the Magic’s young core on December 23rd.
About Cole Anthony
Cole Anthony did slide in the draft as expected with his injury history, a ball-dominant approach, and his defensive skills, but Anthony’s upside was too good to pass up on at 15th overall. The North Carolina product averaged 18.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 4.0 APG on 38% from the field and 34.8% from the 3-point line last season. Anthony averaged the 2nd-most PPG as a freshman in UNC history, showing just how good of a scorer he is. The 6-3, 190 lb PG even played well enough to earn All-ACC 3rd team honors in 2019. Anthony will play behind Markelle Fultz and Evan Fournier in the backcourt, learning valuable experience from the two. There is a chance that Anthony may even become a starter in the shorter season if an injury occurs. Anthony should also gain experience in Head Coach Steve Clifford’s offensive/defensive schemes, which should exercise his amazing potential.
Orlando signed 2019 1st-round pick Chuma Okeke
After 17 months of not signing his rookie deal, Chuma Okeke finally broke the streak on November 16th! Orlando selected Okeke with the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He started in 38 games during the 2018-19 season at Auburn, averaging 12.0 ppg, 6.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.21 BPG. Okeke also shot 38.7% from downtown. Okeke led Auburn in Rebounding, Steals (third in the SEC), and Blocked Shots. He was named to the 2019 SEC All-Tournament Team and the 2019 All-Midwest Regional Team. Okeke sustained a season-ending knee injury (torn left ACL) during their Sweet Sixteen win against North Carolina. During that contest, he became the first Auburn player since 2000 and fifth ever to record 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game. Okeke looks to come back stronger than ever and help lead the Magic back to the playoffs!