Magic's Cole Anthony Wins NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for October

Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony's work with his 50 Ways Foundation was recognized by the NBA for the month of October.

Orlando Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman, guard Cole Anthony and CEO Alex Martins pose as Anthony is presented his Bob Lanier Community Assist Award. / @ajthatsfye and @50waysfoundation on Instagram

ORLANDO, Fla. – On Friday, Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony was recognized by the NBA as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award Winner for October.

The award comes because of Anthony's work supporting youth health and wellness through hosting a financial literacy workshop, fundraising events and youth basketball clinics.

Prior to the Magic's 98-86 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night, Anthony was presented with the David Robinson Trophy by president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and CEO Alex Martins.

The NBA also donated $10,000 to Anthony's 50 Ways Foundation.

community first 💙

congrats @The_ColeAnthony https://t.co/dP2B150P96 pic.twitter.com/pd9NCGXcH0

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 15, 2024

In October, Anthony held his fifth annual charity weekend in Harlem, which of course is in his hometown of New York. As part of the weekend, Anthony held his second "The Playbook" event, bringing together some of New York City's top high school basketball players for a workshop focused on building financial literacy.

He also hosted a free basketball clinic for local youth, donated over 500 backpacks of school supplies for children and held a charity Pro-Am game that weekend in Harlem.

The Magic hosted their annual Pick, Read and Roll event with children from surrounding OCPS schools. And over the summer, Anthony participated in two separate back-to-school events in and around Orlando.

"it's been a constant for him," Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Friday. "It speaks to his character, it speaks to his care. It speaks to exactly what we talk about when you're with the Orlando Magic. It's more than the basketball court. It's off the court and how you take care of those around you and the community around you."

"It's an honor to be selected," Anthony said Friday. "This is big league. We have a lot of dudes with a lot of money making a big impact over a lot of different places.... Just try to keep up the good work.

"It's something for me that I'm obviously very passionate about, my 50 Ways Foundation," Anthony continued. "I'm super appreciative to be in a position where I can help people out, extend a hand out. Where I can just try to give back to the community. I try not to abuse that power and just, at all times, help out... Especially here in Orlando, man. You guys have done such a great job of being so welcoming and accepting of me since I've been here. I just want to do the same for the people around here."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AJ Salas (@ajthatsfye)

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

• COLE ANTHONY'S BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURPRISE: Over the summer, Anthony provided dinner, backpacks of school suppiies, and Magic gear for Orlando youth and their families. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC-SIXERS RECAP: The Magic trailed by eight late in the third quarter, then overwhelmed Philly with a 34-14 run to notch a 5th straight win. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC'S NBA-BEST 4Q DEFENSE: While possessing the NBA's best final-quarter defense, the Magic feel they "can stay with any team in the league night in and night out." CLICK HERE
• MAGIC'S NEW CITY EDITION UNIFORMS UNVEILED: The Orlando Magic's new City Edition uniforms will debut on November 23 and be worn 14 times this year. The look continues the theme of a 'Kingdom on the Rise.' CLICK HERE
• 'STEADY' GOGA PROVIDING IMPACT: Goga Bitadze could've gone anywhere this summer, but he returned to the Orlando Magic. Now he is fulfilling various roles, including the starting center position as of late, and the Magic are reaping the benefits of Bitadze's impact. CLICK HERE
• WAGNER'S GROWTH INTO NO. 1 OPTION CRITICAL: Without Paolo Banchero in the fold due to injury, the Magic's ability to stay afloat is led by Franz Wagner. His comfort in that role is crucial. CLICK HERE

Want more Orlando Magic coverage on Sports Illustrated?

Follow 'Orlando Magic on SI' on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also, bookmark our homepage so you never miss a story.