5 Orlando Magic players to watch at NBA Summer League

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Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers
Cole Anthony has shown tremendous growth since returning from an injury providing the Orlando Magic with one bright spot to close the season. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic players to watch at Summer League

Second-Year Players

While Summer League is exciting for the rookies to make their debuts, it is also a good point to check on the progress of second-year players, who often show up to act as veterans on the Summer League team. Of course, this year the second-year players will be going through Summer League for the first time in their careers.

It is hard to know then what to expect from Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton step onto the floor at UNLV next week.

Like most second-year players, there is an expectation Anthony and Hampton will take the lead and look a whole lot better than the younger players. There is probably also an expectation that they will be wrapped up and put away sooner than the rookies who might need a little bit more time.

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Judging by social media content, both Anthony and Hampton have been working a whole lot in the gym. It will be good to see if they can put the pieces together in the gym.

Both Anthony and Hampton had strong finishes to their season as they got increased playing time. Anthony, especially, showed a lot more poise on the ball as a playmaker. His shooting even came along.

Anthony averaged 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 41.7-percent from the floor and 34.8-percent from deep in the team’s final 22 games. It was a strong finish for the rookie after he dealt with a prolonged absence due to injury.

Hampton clearly just needed an opportunity to start putting up bigger numbers. After the trade to the Magic, he averaged 11.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game with a 48.2-percent effective field goal percentage.

Hampton won the Rookie of the Month Award for May, but there were plenty of warnings that his numbers are not permanent or sustainable. There was a lot of garbage time in those games.

Both Hampton and Anthony still have a lot to prove to build off their rookie seasons. But both have already shown a hunger to get better and leadership to keep their group tight and together. This will be a big season for both players to show where they will go next in their careers.

Noticeably absent, though, is Chuma Okeke.

It is not exactly clear why he has decided not to play in Summer League, although he would be eligible to play as a second-year player. It should be noted too that Okeke did not play with Nigeria in their preparations for the Olympics either.

Orlando will have to wait to see Okeke play during training camp.