Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Magic Postseason Profile: Cole Anthony on Accepting New Role in Third Season
ORLANDO - The potential from Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony has always been evident.
A former McDonald's All American and star at the University of North Carolina; Anthony was selected with the No. 15 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and immediately given an opportunity to shine over his first two career seasons.
Starting all 65 of his appearances in 2021, Anthony led the Magic in scoring (16.3), while also dishing out 5.7 and pulling down 5.4 rebounds per game.
Heading into his third season with uncertainty surrounding the backcourt consisting of Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs, it appeared Anthony would be the starting guard once again.
However, after starting three games at the beginning of the year, an oblique injury forced Anthony to miss a majority of November, and the Magic suffered - posting a 5-11 mark over that stretch.
When the third-year guard returned, he wasn't thrust into a starting role, however given the opportunity to be a bench spark.
And Anthony shined in his new role, averaging 13.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 56 games off the bench, while posting .465/.378/.901 shooting splits.
"For me it was just about accepting that role," Anthony said. "Also, at the same time, just staying healthy. I think this was the longest stretch of basketball I've played in my now three-year NBA career."
In the month of March, Anthony's production increased to 16.3 points while nearly posting 50/40/90 splits (.489/.424/.905).
Additionally, Orlando was in the midst of playing its best basketball of the season, recording a 7-8 record while also setting season-highs in points (116.5) FT% (84.5%) and assists (25.3) across any month.
"I have obviously my own dreams and aspirations in the NBA," Anthony said. "For for me now, I'm gonna do whatever I can to help this team win. I think we have a really bright future here and I think I can be a big part of that."
Anthony is still growing and he believes he can find ways to improve his game this summer.
"I wanna really work on my footwork this summer," Anthony said. "I've watched dudes like Jalen Brunson, that's been a dude I've been a big fan of the past couple years, just has tremendous footwork.
No matter role he's given or the skills he continues to develop, Anthony is ready to help the Magic win entering his fourth season.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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