Orlando Magic Rookie Anthony Black Has 'Bright Future'

The Orlando Magic's No. 6 pick, Arkansas point guard Anthony Black, has impressed veteran guard Cole Anthony.

The Orlando Magic drafted guard Anthony Black this past draft, and veteran Cole Anthony already sees potential in him.

“He has a really great feel for the game,” Anthony said. “He’s a smart kid. And you know, he’s athletic. He’s got a bright future in this league. He’s obviously a rookie, He’s young. He’s still 19. Won’t be 20 until next year, so it’s gonna be some growing pains, but he’s getting it. He’s getting it for sure.”

Orlando Magic rookie Anthony Black has impressed veterans with his feel for the game / © Matthew Hinton, USA TODAY

Black averaged 12.8 points, 3.9 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals with the Arkansas Razorbacks as a freshman.

Since Orlando invested the No. 6 pick in him, hopes are high for his future with the young core. In the preseason, the rookie got off to a slow start, exhibiting some of the growing pains that Anthony expected from the teenager.

During the 17.8 minutes Black averaged in the preseason, he posted a positive plus-minus on the box score but only shot 31.3 percent from the field for 3.5 points per game.

To open the regular season, the 6-7 point guard received five minutes of playing time as the third-string point guard backing up Anthony and starter Markelle Fultz. In his limited action, he was effective, scoring five points, an assist, and two blocks for an overall nine-point positive scoring differential when he was on the court. 

Although he’ll have to continue earning his minutes in the rotation early on, Black’s natural feel for the game, size, and athleticism give his game a high ceiling long term.

With top 100 players in reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and versatile scorer Franz Wagner entering his third season, how Black develops could soon dictate just how far this Magic core can advance in the playoffs.