Even as a rookie, Cole Anthony wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
That continued Thursday after the point guard was snubbed for the NBA’s All-Rookie teams.
I ain’t even gone lie y’all are mad disrespectful https://t.co/UnSCohol8y
— Cole Anthony (@The_ColeAnthony) June 18, 2021
Anthony quickly pinned that tweet to the top of his Twitter profile page, perhaps to be used as a daily source of motivation.
Anthony, who was thrust into a starting role after Markelle Fultz suffered a torn ACL, averaged 12.9 points per game this season, trailing just Anthony Edwards (19.3), LaMelo Ball (15.7) and Tyrese Haliburton (13.0).
Anthony’s 4.1 assists per game was fourth most among rookies and his 4.7 rebounds was eighth best, giving him at least a statistical advantage over most of his competition.
As for Isaac Okoro? He averaged 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Desmond Bane, you ask? He averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists, though he was a much more efficient shooter than Anthony.
Anthony, the 15th overall pick in the 2020 draft, received one first-team vote (worth two points), and 38 second-team votes (worth one point) for a total of 40 points (10 points shy of making second team). Fellow Magic rookie Chuma Okeke received two second-team votes.
Anthony was the second runner-up for the second team behind Facundo Campazzo, who had 42 points. Patrick Williams claimed the final spot on the All-Rookie team with 50 points.
Anthony played in just 47 games after missing an extended period with a rib fracture, which may have cost him some votes. But even the NBA’s Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball played in just 51 games.
Anthony’s teammates also voiced their displeasure about the snub.
Cole snubbed from All Rookie teams ! It’s okay gang it’s up soon @The_ColeAnthony
— RJ (@RjHampton14) June 18, 2021
Let’s see where Anthony ranks among some of these All-Rookie Team selections in a year or two.