On Monday, Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black talked about his looming contract extension, his offseason training, and his role under new coach Sean Sweeney. Black is on the final year of his rookie contract, while Orlando ranks as the third-highest payroll in the NBA.
“It would be great to get [an extension] done,” Black said. “The team is in a weird spot with that. I’m trying to stay where my feet are. I’m focused on getting better every day and helping my team out. If that happens, that would be great, obviously.”
In his third season, Black broke out for the Magic, averaging 15.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, and 1.4 SPG. However, the young guard acknowledged the uncertainty about his future in The City Beautiful.
“It’s a business,” Black said. “[The Magic] got things they gotta worry about, I got things I gotta worry about. If it happens, it happens.”
His role as a starter is up in the air, as Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane are the presumed backcourt for Orlando. Black filled in for Franz Wagner at the small forward position for much of last season, but with the Magic roster mainly healthy, he could be relegated to the sixth man.
“[I am going to be] just a connector offensively and defensively,” Black said about his role under Sweeney. “Taking pride in guarding for the full possession and being more of a playmaker on defense. Being ready to play with different lineups.”
During the offseason, Black worked a lot on his offensive game, an area where he ranked second-worst in efficiency amongst starters in 2025. He said coach Sweeney believes he can be a good player and appreciates him.
“This summer, I worked a lot on trying to get stronger,” Black said. “Being able to guard bigger dudes in the post. I worked a lot on my floor game, just getting physical and making all different types of reads and types of shots. I worked on a bit of everything.”
On Tuesday, the Magic announced Black had suffered an ankle sprain during voluntary workouts before training camp. Sweeney said Black was day-to-day, with the label being precautionary.
The soon-to-be restricted free agent will look to improve on a career-best campaign before hitting restricted free agency in 2027.