5 Questions for the Second Quarter of the Orlando Magic’s Season

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s second quarter

Will Cole Anthony be the first option even after Markelle Fultz comes back?

The answer should be yes, at least for a couple of weeks.

Cole Anthony is having a Most Improved Player-caliber season and is putting up good numbers. He is clearly the go-to scorer for the Magic even ahead of Terrence Ross.

This season, Anthony is averaging 20.3 points per game, 5.9 assists per game and 36.4-percent shooting from three with an effective field goal percentage of 51.2-percent. It is really impressive and nearly historic numbers for Anthony.

The team has been better with him and he has been the driving force for this team so far.

A backcourt of Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony in theory has all the components to succeed.

Anthony is a better scorer and shooter while Fultz is a better defender and is a better passer. Orlando needs a more reliable second ball-handler and Cole Anthony’s success pairing with Jalen Suggs this season should be a sign they can coexist on the floor.

They both cover for each other’s weaknesses which makes them the most competent backcourt the Magic have had in the past few seasons.

Plus Fultz will not return to the same level he was at last season. He will most likely be on a minutes restriction and since the Magic are not racing for the playoffs, there is no rush.

We could see coach Jamahl Mosley tinker with the guard rotation and put out a few experimental lineups.

But ultimately, Anthony has earned a ton of trust this season. He is scoring efficiently and has been a driving force for the team. Even though he still has plenty to improve upon as a second-year player, Anthony has been the best and most consistent thing from this young team so far this season.