The Orlando Magic have had a young team for the last five seasons, and president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has mostly shielded them from the realities of business in the NBA.
They mostly stayed together, and there was always some internal fear over what would happen if the Magic tinkered too much with the chemistry in the locker room.
That togetherness was their super ower. They believed in every player.
Everyone praised Orlando's collegiate-like atmosphere. It was a good environment for a young team to grow up in.
But the reality is that the league is ever-changing. As much as there is a perception that the Magic were not making moves or were unwilling to change the roster, change was inevitable.
The trade to acquire Desmond Bane was a massive all-in gamble that was at least partially a necessary step for a team that needed to take its next step.
It cost an emotional pillar for the team in Cole Anthony.
Anthony may not be on the Magic or even in the NBA anymore, but he is always a sentimental fan favorite for Magic fans. And everyone should be happy to see him shining as he tries to resurrect his career.
Cole Anthony is trying to regain playing time by playing in Australia this season, rejoining Joe Ingles at Melbourne United. He is trying to look like the scorer he was in his early days with the Magic.
Through one game, Anthony is not only doing that, but he is back to talking the big game that made Magic fans fall in love with him.
Anthony scored 30 points in Melbourne United's 97-95 loss to the Adelaide 36ers. It was a huge debut for Anthony and what you would expect for a solid NBA player jumping into the NBL, a solid league outside the U.S. Anthony was getting to his spots and scoring at will off the dribble. This seems like a great fit for him.
Anthony followed that game up with his trademark bravado. It is the surest sign that Anthony is feeling good and confident in his abilities.
He caught a teammate at the post-game press conference by surprise when he said, "I don't think we're going to lose a game for a while." He may also have promised that Melbourne United would win the title.
Anthony has never been shy in front of a live mic. It is one of the things that endeared him to so many Magic fans. And as he struggled toward the end of his tenure in the NBA, some of that joy went away -- the hype for his teammates certainly never did.
Seeing this Anthony return to the forefront is something that should make Magic fans very happy.
Cole Anthony with the Magic
Cole Anthony was a bridge from the previous era with Jeff Weltman to this current era.
He was picked in the 2020 Draft and started his career with Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon as a reserve player. He became the team's leading scorer when those players were traded, and he returned from a hand injury in his rookie year.
Anthony was a bright spot in those early years. He had the two game-winners as a rookie in the empty stadiums of the 2021 season. He had big games even in his final seasons with the Magic, leading an undermanned Magic team back from 25 points down against the Miami Heat in a December win in the 2025 season.
Anthony was the player fans adored for his bravado and confidence. He was a believer in the group even at its lowest moment. That was always appreciated.
In five seasons with the Magic, Anthony averaged 12.5 points per game. His scoring tailed off as the Magic improved and he struggled in his two playoff appearances. The writing seemed on the wall as the Magic looked to improve their roster.
Anthony's career took a nosedive after the Orlando Magic traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies. He was bought out fairly quickly afterward. He spent the season with the Milwaukee Bucks and never found his footing, ultimately getting traded to the Phoenix Suns and cut late in the season.
It was always painful to trade Anthony away. He was such a big part of the culture the Magic built as someone who was intensely selfless and a cheerleader in the locker room. Every team needs a good hype man. And nobody hyped up his teammates more than Anthony.
Everyone has moved on.
Anthony is trying to regain some confidence and play his game in Australia now. And Magic fans certainly have a team and player they should cheer for if they catch any NBL games this season.
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