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Nearly five months late, and in a month where we’re usually watching live basketball, the NBA was finally able to put on their 2020 draft.
With the 15th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected point guard Cole Anthony from North Carolina.
Orlando is targeting Cole Anthony at No. 15, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 19, 2020
In the SB Nation NBA Mock draft, we selected Anthony with this selection to help add more depth to the point guard position for the Magic. With both D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams set to hit free agency on Friday evening, getting someone who could play point guard was important for the Magic.
A talented scorer, Anthony will help the Magic in a multitude of ways. His ability to score with the ball in his hands, but also knock down shots as a spot up shooter will help a Magic team that’s desperately looking for more shooting. With his scoring ability, Anthony could play in some lineups with Markelle Fultz, giving the Magic even more lineup flexibility.
Anthony had a tough year in Chapel Hill, dealing with injuries that kept him off the floor more often than not. Despite battling injuries, the 6-foot-3 guard still averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in 22 games.
ESPN had Anthony listed as the best scorer still available prior to the Magic’s selection.
While he’s going to need to shore things up on the defensive end, he has some tools that could make him serviceable on that end. He competes and gets after it, which is something that coach Steve Clifford will undoubtedly love.
Our Aaron Goldstone profiled Anthony earlier this summer, highlighting his scoring ability and his defensive upside.
I think this is a really smart move for the Magic. As I noted above, the Magic needed to address the point guard spot, and getting a guy like Anthony at 15 is really good value. He brings high upside, and fills a myriad of holes for the Magic.
After trading the 45th pick in the draft to the Milwaukee Bucks earlier on Wednesday, the Magic’s 2020 draft is likely over. While they could still make a move and get back into the draft, it’s likely their full attention is now shifted to free agency.