Orlando Magic's Anthony Black Underrated in Rookie of the Year Betting Odds?
ORLANDO - If the Orlando Magic wants to have a breakout season, the team will have little choice but to expect some quick development from its young core. This includes rookie guard Anthony Black, who arrives with a ton of potential as the No. 6 overall pick out of Arkansas.
Per DraftKings, Black is currently tied for the seventh-best odds to win Rookie of the Year this season alongside Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson and Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George.
The 2023 NBA Draft class has potential to be historic with San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama at the top, followed by Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller and Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson. Those players should have a chance to immediately make an impact in the starting lineup for those teams.
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black
© Mike Watters, USA TODAY
As for Black, his path towards minutes won't be as simple. He enters a guard rotation with Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs ... all of whom are coming off strong seasons and have a lot of upside going into the season.
Could Black surprise sportsbooks and have a breakout season? Sure, but there are factors that may be beyond his control that prevent him from being one of the league's best rookies this season. That doesn't mean he won't have a chance to prove himself or carve out a role within the Magic rotation, but he likely won't become the team's franchise cornerstone like Paolo Banchero did last year.
Black and the Magic begins its preseason on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.
