Magic Preseason Profile: Can Cole Anthony Build Off Strong Second Season?

Cole Anthony led the Orlando Magic in scoring last season with 16.3 points per game. How will he respond in Year 3?
Magic Preseason Profile: Can Cole Anthony Build Off Strong Second Season?
Magic Preseason Profile: Can Cole Anthony Build Off Strong Second Season? /
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ORLANDO - During the offseason, Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony made a promise that the team would win more than 22 games.

It was another way of saying that the team would be better this season than last, considering Orlando won an Eastern Conference-worst 22 games, and in order for that to happen, Anthony will have to be better as one of the team's lead guards.

Last season, Anthony put together a strong second season, averaging a team-best 16.3 points per game. But with his team's improvement, Anthony will likely need personal development in his own game in order for the team's record to follow suit.

Let's take a look back at what Anthony was able to produce last year, as well as what we can look forward to seeing this season.

2021-22 Season Review

Anthony was thrust into a position to start all 65 games he suited up for with Markelle Fultz out for most of the season. With fellow starting guard Jalen Suggs out for half of the year, Anthony took on even more of a shooting responsibility. Anthony and Franz Wagner were seen as the primary creators for the Magic during the season, and it led to having the league's worst offensive rating at 104.5.

That means without Anthony, things could have been a whole lot worse. He fortified his ability to pull up from three and showcased his shiftiness in driving in the lane at times.

2022-23 Season Preview

Anthony had to put on a number of different hats last season, but this year, he'll likely be seen as more of a scorer than anything. With No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero in the mix and Wagner growing as well, the Magic's offense should primarily run through the point forwards. And if Fultz comes back soon, it will only solidify that role for Anthony.

Expect him to be relied on as someone who can space the floor, giving room for big men to post up, but also being a threat from deep who can't be ignored on the three-point line.

While the numbers may not improve based on the distribution of the Magic offense, Anthony's role as one of the team's best three-point shooters will be a necessity for Orlando.


Check out our other Magic preseason player profiles you might have missed so far:


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.