After drafting Paolo Banchero as the number one overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic finally seem to have the franchise building block they’ve been in search of since Dwight Howard left town.
Banchero’s size and scoring ability make him tailor-made for the modern NBA game and with another budding star in running mate in Franz Wagner the Magic have to feel good about their long-term prospects.
Once again, the Eastern Conference is loaded with top-tier teams vying for a championship so Orlando projects to be in the lottery again.
However, that’s not a bad thing as they continue to search for pieces to surround Banchero and Wagner with.
With the forward spots set, the Magic need to find a capable guard to lead the team.
One name who could be on the move is Cole Anthony as he is reportedly viewed as the most expendable via Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
“The Magic may choose to keep all of their guards, but that seems unlikely, and Anthony may be the most expendable,” an anonymous player agent said. “I think they move Anthony, maybe even before the season. But I don’t think they extend him.”
The Orlando Magic are expected to move Cole Anthony
“The Magic may choose to keep all of their guards, but that seems unlikely, and Anthony may be the most expendable. ‘I think they move Anthony, maybe even before the season. But I don't think they extend him,’ one player agent… pic.twitter.com/ZRy4FVcl0q
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 22, 2023
Orlando has several intriguing guards on the roster, including Anthony Black whom the team just drafted.
Aside from Black, the Magic also have Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, and Jett Howard as potential backcourt options.
Anthony has shown some utility as a scoring option off the bench, but his size and defensive limitations make him a likely candidate to be moved at some point.
The market for players like Anthony isn’t very strong, so it’ll be interesting to see what Orlando decides to do.
NEXT: Magic HC Compares Paolo Banchero To 3 NBA Superstars
