Cole Anthony, Starting Magician
“If you want to make (The Basketball Gods) laugh, tell (them) your plans.” — Woody Allen
In an unparalleled season, it’s hard to get too surprised. Players are going down like flies to injuries and health and safety protocols. Between the league’s depth of skilled talent, the lack of practice time, the inconsistent rotations, and the modern rules and pace, defenses are struggling to keep up. 40 NBA players are averaging 19.7+ PPG. Teams are averaging 112 PPG (via cleaning the glass), which would be the highest offensive rating of any recorded season since 1974 (via basketball reference). Buckets are ready to be had, and “Ice Cole” Anthony is ready to give them to you.
Thrown into the fire earlier than expected, Cole Anthony is holding his own as the Orlando Magic’s starter. A quick look at Orlando’s roster: Markelle Fultz is hurt. Jonathan Isaac is hurt. Aaron Gordon is hurt. Michael Carter-Williams is hurt. Al-Farouq Aminu is hurt. Chuma Okeke is back! Mo Bamba is stuck on the pine behind the strong play of Nikola Vucevic and Khem Birch. Jordan Bone looked spry as a second-unit scorer for a minute before getting waived for Frank Mason, who Orlando sees as more of a playmaking boost. Evan Fournier is in and out of both trade rumors and the lineup with back spasms. Terrence Ross is lighting the torch as an off-screen menace off the bench. Dwayne Bacon, James Ennis, and Gary Clark are doing their best to fill in as a three-headed wing rotation, while Karim Mane is available on a two-way deal.
Which leaves the small cup of baja blast that is Cole Anthony, who has already shown gradual development in his short time taking over Markelle Fultz’ role in the starting unit. What’s most notable is the increased efficiency, added consistency, and growth in decision-making.
first six games as a starter:
12 PTS — 3.2 AST (2.5 TO) — 3.5 REB — 1.5 STL+BLK
34% FG% (13.3 FGA) — 25% 3P% (4.7 3PA) — 78.6% FT% (2.3 FTA)
last ten games as a starter:
13 PTS — 4.8 AST (2.5 TO) — 4.7 REB — 1.5 STL+BLK
46 FG% (10.6 FGA) — 50% 3P% (3.2 3PA) –76% FT% (2.1 FTA)
Cole has caught on to a Fultz staple: finding the big man beyond the arc, especially in transition. Catch-And-Shoot Vooch leads the NBA in C&S PTS-FGM-FGA, ranks 4th in C&S 3PM with 2.6 per game, while being the second-most effective player in the league in Pick-and-Pop situations, behind Nikola Jokic. (1.817 PPP via Synergy, as of 1/29/21)
in 15 pick-and-roll (P&R) possessions where Cole Anthony ignores the screen, the Orlando Magic have scored 1.133 PPP, which ranks in the 58th percentile among all players. (via Synergy)
The Magic have scored 1.357 PPP in 56 possessions where Cole Anthony passes to the Roll Man out of P&R, which ranks in the 85th percentile in the NBA. (via Synergy)
Cole’s always had flashy handles, but he seems to be using them more effectively as games go on, usually to slither around picks while getting defenders to lean out of position one way or another. Cole Anthony’s 1.053 PPP on Drives in ISO situations ranks in the 63rd percentile in the NBA. (19 poss; via Synergy)
Consistency is key for Cole. With a defensive acumen that generally leaves viewers wanting more, even with random bursts of energy and bouncy board-crashing, Anthony’s best route to establishing himself as a bonafide starter is on the offensive end. For him to to reach a ceiling as a full-time starting-level player on a contending team, to climb out of his high floor as a streaky third guard with iffy shot-selection, Anthony must produce offensively every night. With more reps en route than originally planned for this season, the Magic should know what they have in the rookie UNC grad soon enough. His 50% 3P% on 3.2 attempts and 1.92 A/TO rate over his last ten games is promising, even if only two of Orlando’s opponents in that span have a record over .500 (IND, LAC) Cole Anthony ranks in the 53rd percentile of all players in Spot-Up situations, averaging 1.036 PPP (via Synergy)
Cole Anthony’s up to 1.097 PPP in 31 possessions where he takes a dribble jumper off P&R, ranking in the 61st percentile in the NBA. (via Synergy)
when defenders go under the screen against Cole Anthony in 15 P&R possessions this season, the Magic score 1.133 PPP, which ranks in the 71st percentile in the NBA. (via Synergy)
oh, we can’t forget the highlights.
duh-nuh-nuh, duh-nuh-nuh
three of many audacious attempts at the rim:
two rocket-man slams:
two lofty lobs:
and one game-winning buzzer-beater in a pear tree:
Disney had a good run, Orlando; it’s a Cole World, now.
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