Orlando Magic PG Cole Anthony 'Not Worried' About Contract Extension
ORLANDO - The upcoming season is arguably the biggest of Orlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony's career up until this point.
Anthony is entering his fourth season with the Magic after being the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. This year, Anthony is playing out the final year of his contract before becoming a restricted free agent this summer. But even with the uncertainty of his future, Anthony has bigger fish to fry at the moment.
"I'm not worried about that," Anthony said. "I'm just worried about, you know, getting ready for training camp."
Anthony, 23, averaged 13 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists mostly in a reserve role last season, but he proved himself to still play a key role for the Magic.
Orlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony
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However, Anthony will have to compete to retain his role during training camp after the Magic drafted Anthony Black with the No. 6 pick in this year's draft. Markelle Fultz is also competing at the point guard position for minutes, and he's also facing free agency at season's end.
While players have a tendency to shine when the lights are brightest, it doesn't appear Anthony is taking his contract year into account as he prepares for the season. Anthony's focus is to get the Magic to the playoffs, where he hasn't been before.
If Orlando can take the next step in its development, Anthony hopes that the rest will take care of itself in due time. And besides, if the Magic makes the postseason and Anthony is part of the reason behind that, an extension will likely be in the cards this time next year.
