The Magic Insider

Orlando Magic Rumored To Draft Cole Anthony Replacement In Second Round

Don Strouble|
Apr 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) goes around a pick set by guard Anthony Black (0) on Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) during the second quarter of game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) goes around a pick set by guard Anthony Black (0) on Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) during the second quarter of game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

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Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic moved on from Cole Anthony last week as part of a blockbuster trade to acquire Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane. Averaging 12.5 points in five seasons with Orlando, Anthony established himself as a reliable reserve. With Anthony gone, the Magic have a chance in the NBA draft to replace him with a similar prospect.

In a recent mock draft, Bleacher Report predicted Orlando would select West Virginia point guard Javon Small while also comparing him to Anthony.

"Scouts sound interested in Javon Small, whose production has drawn more attention to his shotmaking and playmaking," it wrote. "Tough shots off the dribble can hurt his efficiency, but an NBA team could see his creation, downhill game and confidence around the perimeter working for a bench-spark role."

Small comes to the NBA with four years of collegiate experience, and his production increased each season. Last year Small averaged a career-high 18.6 points and 1.5 steals en route to an All-Big 12 First-Team selection.

Small's two-way capabilities will pair nicely with coach Jamahl Mosleys defensive philosophy. At the NBA Draft combine, Small highlighted his do-it-all capabilities.

"Just trying to prove that I can play at the next level after college," Small said. "I'm gonna prove that I'm a defensive guard that can score the ball and also get my teammates involved; just trying to showcase a little bit of everything."

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Don Strouble
DON STROUBLE

Don Strouble is a sports journalist who covers UCF athletics and the Orlando Magic. Strouble is a contributing member of the Black and Gold Banneret, the home for UCF athletics on SB Nation, as well as Fans First Sports Network. He hails from Northeast Ohio, where his love for Cleveland’s teams served as inspiration to work in the world of sports media.

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