The season preview for Cole Anthony is on deck. In this preview we’re going to talk about how things went for him last year, what we saw from him this Summer and what the expectations should be for Cole Anthony in the upcoming 2021 – 2022 Orlando Magic season. So grab your favorite beverage (as I slowly pour this Henny in my glass), sit back and enjoy the ride.

The Stage – it’s the 2020 NBA Draft and Commissioner Adam Silver approaches the podium and says, ” With the 16th Pick, The Orlando Magic select Cole Anthony of the University of North Carolina”.  In an emotional display with tears pouring out of his eyes Cole Anthony tried to compose himself within a moment that he had waited for his entire life. Cole Anthony gathered himself and said, “This is the best moment of my life, right here. Nothing compares with this moment”. Then with charisma and a smile, Cole said with a chuckle, “Maybe birth, but this is the absolute happiest moment of my life”.

During Cole Anthony’s rookie campaign he displayed an uncanny ability to come up huge in big moments. Cole Anthony had multiple game winners, took control of games and really showed that Alpha Dog mentality when he was on the court. This is something that Orlando magic have wanted  for a long time.

In 47 regular season games Cole Anthony averaged 12.9 Points, 4.7 Rebounds and 4.1 Assists. Despite those stats (which were better than most rookies)  Cole was snubbed from both All Rookie Teams and completely disregarded in Rookie of The Year Talks. You could debate that Cole should not have made the All Rookie Team over LaMelo Ball, Saddiq Bey, Anthony Edwards ,Tyrese Haliburton and Stop Right There  < Insert Cole Anthony >, the official list had Desmond Bane in this spot. Almost laughable that Cole Anthony did not even make the second team which was composed of Isaac Okoro, Immanuel Quickly, Isaiah Stewart, Patrick Williams and Jae’Sean Fate.

Cole snubbed from All Rookie teams ! It’s okay gang it’s up soon💯 @The_ColeAnthony

— RJ (@RjHampton14) June 18, 2021

I ain’t even gone lie y’all are mad disrespectful 😂😂😂 https://t.co/UnSCohol8y

— Cole Anthony (@The_ColeAnthony) June 18, 2021

Those stats also don’t show the level of clutchness and swagger that Cole showed throughout the season. On January 20th, 2021 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with the score 96 Wolves and 94 Magic, Cole Anthony grabbed a pivotal rebound and drove the length of the court like a savvy vet and broke the hearts of Timberwolves fans by nailing a clutch game winning three point shot. However this was just the first Heartbreaking loss that Cole would deliver to opposing fans. On May 1st, 2021 against the Memphis Grizzlies with the score Grizzlies 111 and Magic 109. Cole Anthony received the inbound pass from Dwayne Bacon, got a screen from Moe Wagner that isolated him one on one against Kyle Anderson. Then with supreme confidence Cole hit Anderson with a lightning quick release jump shot off two feet and hand delivered Magic Fans a night of joy by sinking his second game winner of his Rookie Season. This led to maybe the greatest post game interview by a rookie in the history of the NBA.

The anticipation for summer league featuring Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, Franz Wagner and Orlando’s prized rookie Jalen Suggs had Magic Fans hyped to the max. When the games actually started it was apparent that Cole would need some time to adjust to playing along side another Alpha like Jalen Suggs. Not to mention the team changing schemes and style of play under promising upcoming coach Jamahl Mosley. Cole struggled to find his shot from three in Summer League and at times looked as if he had the weight of the team on his shoulders. While we don’t over react to Summer League games, it is apparent that Cole will need time to adjust to his new teammates and coach.

Another thing that is apparent is that Cole Anthony has fully embraced the City of Orlando and his teammates. Cole was in numerous pictures vacationing with teammates and was recently at UCF’s game opener with RJ Hampton. Orlando needs players that not only have high ceilings but whom also love to be in Orlando rocking the pinstripes. Cole has already shown that he is that guy and fans love that about him.

Cole Anthony has already proven that he can be a legit NBA Player worthy of a roster spot and regular rotational minutes. However the ceiling for Cole can be much higher than an NBA Role player with steady minutes. Cole already has proven to have something that can’t be taught and that is his Alpha Dog mentality. Not only does he not shy away from the big moments and bright lights, Cole embraces them. 

Like a moth to a flame, Cole is drawn to high pressure situations that us mere mortals would avoid. This is what made players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant so great, not only did they have the ability to succeed in high pressure moments, they embraced it and literally needed it. No, I’m not comparing Cole to those two, hey; I’m not that deep into the Henny bottle (yet). I’m just saying, Cole has that unteachable yearning to be the guy no matter what the situation is. Looking forward to this upcoming season I expect Cole Anthony to consistently challenge for a starting spot in the talented guard heavy rotation of The Orlando Magic. Cole will perhaps be the day one Starter at shooting guard if Markelle Fultz isn’t ready to go. No matter what, The Orlando Magic and Magic Fans have a lot to look forward to when it comes to Cole.

No matter how you shake it, Magic Fans and the City of Orlando have a lot to be thankful for when it comes to Cole. He has already proven to be a legit NBA Player that possesses an unteachable skill. He loves being in Orlando and the fans have already embraced him. Cole Anthony is a leader on and off the court and that’s exactly what this Magic Squad so desperately needed.

What Kind Of Season Do You Think Cole Anthony Will Have? Drop A Comment Below.