UNC Basketball: Cole Anthony Rookie season recap

How did former UNC basketball standout Cole Anthony fare in his rookie season in the NBA?

Heading into last year’s NBA Draft, there were a lot of questions surrounding the draft stock of Cole Anthony. The former UNC basketball standout just came off what many classified as a disappointing season in Chapel Hill, as the talented guard dealt with injuries and collective struggles from the program as a whole.

Before his lone collegiate season, it appeared a lock that Anthony would be a top-five pick in the NBA Draft. However, that changed, as evaluators began to question just what type of player Anthony could be at the next level.

Although he wasn’t a lottery pick, the Orlando Magic took a chance on him with the 15th overall pick. Based on his rookie season, Anthony proved that the hype surrounding him as a high school prospect wasn’t a fluke.

With a limited offseason and no summer league to help develop his game, Anthony started the year in a reserve role for the Magic. Serving as the backup point guard to Markelle Fultz, Anthony had the opportunity to work with the second unit as he adjusted to the NBA’s style of play.

However, this plan didn’t last long, as Fultz went down with a season-ending injury in the early part of January. This was when the Magic took the training wheels off their talented first-round pick, as they thrusted him into the starting lineup.

After adjusting into the starting lineup, a rib fracture would sideline Anthony for 25 games. When he returned to action, the former Tar Heel showed just what he’s capable of offensively.

Over the Magic’s final 22 games, Anthony scored in double-figures in 19 of those contests. He had some big performances during this stretch, including a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on May 1 in which he scored 26 points and added eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals to his stat line. The Magic won that game, as Anthony hit a three-pointer with 0.1 seconds to go to secure the victory.

The former Tar Heel started 34 of the 47 games he appeared in during his rookie season. Overall, Anthony averaged 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists,  and 0.6 steals per-game while averaging just over 27 minutes per-contest.

In comparison to other rookies, Anthony fared rather well amongst his fellow draft class members. Among rookies who appeared in 40 or more games this season, Anthony ranked third in assists, fourth in total points, fifth in points per-game and seventh in rebounds.

Anthony did struggle at times in regards to shooting the ball, especially from three-point range, but the former Tar Heel showed that he is still very good at attacking the basket. He made 60 of his 102 attempts at the rim, which gave him a 58.8% percentage on those types of shots.

Moving forward, Anthony will most certainly have to be more consistent offensively. The potential to score the basketball is definitely there, but Anthony will have to shoot at a higher rate, especially as he earns a bigger role in the Magic’s overall rotation.

One thing that should really benefit Anthony this offseason is a somewhat normal summer. It may seem minor to some, but the time rookies get during the summer to help them transition to the NBA game could really be a positive experience. Not having that time to develop and grow hurt all NBA rookies, and the ones who saw major playing time early in the season really had to adjust on the fly.

Anthony will be able to be in the gym with team personnel, possibly even get into some summer league action. This could be huge for Anthony, as he looks to make a major jump in his second professional season.

One thing is for certain: Cole Anthony proved that he has the potential and talent to be a very good NBA player. He showed flashes throughout his rookie season that make you think he could be around for a very long time.

Based on his work ethic and what we know about Anthony, expect him to continue growing and developing his game. If he keeps enhancing his game and finds a way to be more consistent offensively, the Magic have a player who has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone for many years to come.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates surround Cole Anthony and the UNC basketball program.