3 goals to reset the Orlando Magic's expectations in 2024

3 New Expectations for the Orlando Magic after 20 games

3. Cole Anthony gets real consideration for 6th Man of the Year

Cole Anthony has done just about all Orlando Magic fans could have asked to start this season. Averaging 15.2 points per game off the bench, he has been a huge help for the Magic with Markelle Fultz sidelined with a knee injury.

Anthony comes in at around +1100 (fifth-best odds) to win the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award according to Fanduel Sportsbook. He is slotted behind Tim Hardaway Jr., Austin Reaves, Immanuel Quickley and Malik Monk.

Anthony has been the undisputed third option for the Magic and has thrived in his role.

For him to win Sixth Man of the Year, the Magic will probably have to continue their winning ways as I have mentioned earlier. But the most important thing for Anthony is that he does not fade when Fultz returns.

While it will most likely be Jalen Suggs who takes on a more reduced role, and might even return to the bench with him on occasion, it will be on Cole Anthony to make his mark with the 2s.

The Magic have accomplished a lot of things already this season on their way to their ultimate goal. But now that the team has shown that it can achieve more, it is important to keep raising the bar and the expectation for this team.

This has been an incredible first quarter to the season. Orlando may not accomplish all of these goals. And that is OK.

But it is important to recognize this team and these players have entered a different phase of the rebuild that indicates a level of organizational success is coming. Something that has not been done in a very long time with this franchise.