Predicting which Orlando Magic players can contend for future awards

Although the Orlando Magic were officially eliminated from Playoff contention last week, there is still a sense of unbridled optimism among the fanbase.

Yes, the team has not done a lot of winning lately. And, sure, there is a chance that the first-round pick obtained in the Nikola Vucevic deal could feasibly be outside of the lottery if the Bulls make the playoffs — or not even convey until next year if the Bulls get lucky and jump into the top four.

But as young players like Cole Anthony and Gary Harris have become healthy and new additions like Wendell Carter and R.J. Hampton have become increasingly comfortable in the Magic’s system, we are witnessing the seeds of an upstart and exciting team.

The Orlando Magic have a host of young players with seemingly endless possibility. We look forward to the awards they could be contending for as they continue to grow.

The hope is that with a healthy roster and a cohesive team structure, we will begin to see players shine as a new era of Magic Basketball begins.

To that end, today we will be highlighting which Magic players we believe are capable of winning awards in the near future.

Cole Anthony: All-Rookie Team

Cole Anthony has been on fire since returning from his Feb. 9 rib fracture.

Since Anthony’s return from injury, he has averaged 13.8 points per game, 5.2 assists per game and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Anthony has stepped up his game in the last 10 games across the board, seeing spikes in all significant statistics (14.7 points per game, 5.3 assists per game and 4.7 rebounds per game) while shooting nearly 40-percent from three while playing nearly 30 minutes per game.

Those numbers would be higher if not for low-minute turns in his last two games

Anthony has injected a sense of excitement into the offense which had stalled significantly since the trade deadline exodus. He plays with confidence and is gifted with the basketball to create his own shot while trying to provide for his teammates.

Anthony has become the de facto crunch time scorer for the Magic as well, a role that he has not only embraced but cherished (see: the Memphis Grizzlies game-winner)

It is telling that Steve Clifford , a coach known for his reluctance of giving large workloads to rookies, has entrusted Anthony as both a starter and lead ball handler.

In any other year, Anthony would be a lock for one of the four guard positions in the All-Rookie teams. However, with the superlative play of fellow rookie guards LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Saddiq Bey and Immanuel Quickley, the race for the All-Rookie team backcourt will be a competitive fight until the end of the regular season.

Anthony will have a strong chance of making one of the All-Rookie teams if he continues his incredible play. Anthony has already been awarded a high workload on a rebuilding Magic team and if he can end the year strong, recency bias and exciting play will be a strong statement for his case as an All-Rookie guard.