Orlando Magic Rookie Anthony Black Meeting Lofty Expectations?

Has Orlando Magic rookie Anthony Black lived up to his draft status so far this season?

Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black has looked like one of the best rookies in the league so far this season.

Drafted by Orlando with the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, Black was heralded for his playmaking, size, athleticism, and defense. So far, Black's strengths have been as good as advertised. The No. 6 overall pick is ranked as the sixth-best rookie in Yahoo’s latest NBA rookie power rankings.

The defense and playmaking of Orlando Magic rookie Anthony Black have helped him thrive early in his NBA career despite only being a teenager / Mike Watters-USA Today Sports

“The Magic have a ton of players in the backcourt rotation, but Black has been one of their most productive guards in the way he facilitates with the ball in his hands and makes the right cuts off the wing.” Yahoo! writes. “It’s clear Black studied the Magic’s system and adapted to the defense. He’s not scoring a ton, but he has made a couple flashy plays and does a lot of the little things really well. In his first recorded start of the season (in a win over the Lakers), Black finished with 11 points (67% from the field), four rebounds, and was a plus-32 for the game.”

Still, just a teenager, Black’s high floor has already proven that he has what it takes to make it in this league. If his scoring can continue to develop enough to match his other strengths on the court, then Orlando could have a star trio for the next decade with Black, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner, who are all still on rookie deals.

The Magic is back in action tomorrow against the Atlanta Hawks in Mexico City. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.