On November 19th, the Orlando Magic made an interesting selection in the 2020 NBA Draft by selecting North Carolina’s Cole Anthony. The Magic were aware of Anthony’s ball-dominant approach in College, but still took a chance on the 6′ 2″ guard. As of late, the decision has paid off for the Magic. Anthony has had quite a hot showing in his return from his 25-game absence to a rib injury. In addition to averaging 13.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in the month of April, he has also notched double-digit points in nine of his last ten games. The rookie sensation has embraced his new starting role on a depleted Magic squad. Anthony has had multiple games as Orlando’s go-to guy, including a 19-point and eight assist outing against Toronto. So, how has Anthony been able to make monumental strides to his development and defensive issues, despite these setbacks?
Anthony’s Additional Opportunities
Simply put, the most important thing you can do to help develop a Rookie is to give them many chances to prove themselves in the NBA. It seems like Orlando did just that during their yardsale of franchise cornerstones in Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, and Aaron Gordon. Once Fournier’s minutes were left on the table, Anthony got first dibs, and rightfully so. Prior to March 25’s Trade Deadline, Anthony came off the bench in most of his games. Now, after the injury bug destroyed Orlando’s roster and the injury of Michael Carter-Williams, Anthony has made five straight starts. In those four starts, Anthony has averaged career-high numbers with 16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 6.4 APG. These additional opportunities should also help Anthony’s lackluster shooting, as he’s only making 21.9% since returning. It’s worth noting that Anthony isn’t struggling from the Free-Throw line, shooting 82.1%.
Anthony is familiar with the Magic’s Offensive and Defensive Schemes
While still playing for Roy Williams at North Carolina, Anthony thrived in pull-up shooting, tough on-ball defense, and solid play in fast-paced offenses. Luckily for the UNC standout, all three of these tools are the focal point for the Magic, offensively and defensively. Anthony’s aforementioned shooting beyond the arc hasn’t been great as of late, but isn’t terrible, 30.7% from the season. The Magic’s fast-paced style of offense has also been a familiar sight for Anthony. As Anthony is beginning to start more games for Orlando, the team’s fast-break and second-chance points have steadily improved. Going from 9.8 FB Points to 10.3 FB Points and 13.0 SC Points to 14.0 SC isn’t a monumental change, but it’s a step in the right direction. Anthony’s defense is also on the rise. Averaging 0.4 BPG is a small gain from college, averaging 0.3 BPG at UNC.
How long can Anthony continue this Hot Streak?
Simply put, there’s no estimate on how long Anthony will produce these numbers. There’s a good chance that he may hit the “Rookie Wall” like his teammate Chuma Okeke just recently did. In the first six games after the trade deadline, Okeke averaged 16.3 PPG while shooting 52.4% from the field and 46.7% from three-point range. In his last eight games, however, Okeke is averaging 8.5 PPG and shooting 33.7% from the field and 16.1% from three-point range. If the “Rookie Wall” doesn’t get him, the return of Markelle Fultz (next season) and Carter Williams will also take back some of Anthony’s extended playing time. Despite this, Anthony’s recent surge has given Magic fans plenty of hope for his long-term plans in Orlando. Even if he finds himself as the second option in Orlando when the next season rolls around, the emergence of Anthony shouldn’t be taken lightly.