Magic Rookie Anthony Black Making 'Quick Transition' to NBA?
The Orlando Magic are one of the more promising teams in the NBA.
While the young ascending team has expectations to compete for a playoff spot next season, they're likely still a couple of pieces away from becoming a bona fide contender in the Eastern Conference.
But some of those pieces may already be on the roster. Bleacher Report broke down the top three building blocks for each team and chose forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as Orlando's top two players. For the third building block, Bleacher Report picked rookie guard Anthony Black.
"The Magic have multiple candidates for the third spot, but I'm banking on Black making a quick transition to the league," Bleacher Report writes. "This summer's No. 6 pick could be their new head of the snake at both ends, as a 6'7" teenager who can initiate offense, attack off the dribble and defend multiple positions."
Black being picked over players like point guard Markelle Fultz and forward Wendell Carter Jr. shows the potential the No. 6 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has. That potential was on display in the Las Vegas Summer League when he averaged 11 points, 8.67 rebounds, four assists and two steals per game in his three appearances.
If Black's performances in three games is any indication, he has a chance to carry his versatility over from the college ranks. In his lone season at Arkansas, Black made the SEC All-Freshman team and was the only player in his conference to finish top 25 in scoring (12.78), rebounding (5.06), assists (3.92), steals (2.06) and blocked shots (0.61).
For a team looking to take the next step, Black's versatility can improve the Magic in multiple ways. If he can become Orlando's "head of the snake" on offense and defense and become another building block, Black may become the guy who elevates Orlando from a fringe playoff team to a contender.
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