Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2022: Preparing for the next steps

Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2022

5. Cole Anthony (3 years, $12.6 million, Team Option for 2023)

Last Year: 8th

Nobody knew what to make of Cole Anthony when he entered the league last year.

Injuries sapped him of his usual athleticism and burst at North Carolina in a disappointing year. It was easy to try to define Anthony for what he was not and whatever preconceived notions one might have for a player of his type. Anthony heard a lot of the stories.

His rookie year with the Orlando Magic did not do much to answer or dispel those questions and concerns. He got thrown right into the fire and then faced an injury. Then the team completely changed around him.

Anthony had a stunning finish to the season with the ball in his hands a whole lot more. But it was for a team that was losing and did not have much of a chance to win each night.

Then Anthony burst out of the gates to start this season. He put up All-Star-caliber numbers to star the year and got everyone excited.

More than that, Anthony embraced the city and embraced his teammates. He seemed like a great teammate, always in their corner. He gave the young team some bravado and confidence. The wins were not coming, but Anthony was someone the team could trust.

He has cooled off considerably since then. He is averaging 17.7 points per game, but his effective field goal percentage is down to 45.9-percent. In his last 17 games, he is averaging just 14.5 points per game and shooting 34.0-percent from the floor and 26.1-percent from deep.

This prolonged cold streak coming off an ankle injury that has bothered him since December, raises a lot of the same questions Anthony faced entering the league.

He is still averaging 6.0 assists per game showing improvement as a playmaker and passer. There is a lot of hope and belief he will get better. And Anthony has carved a place for the Magic in its near future, at least.