Cole Anthony No. 50: How Stardom Can Make a Disappointment

When Cole Anthony was selected 15th overall by the Orlando Magic, everyone thought they got a steal. The 5-star recruit and former McDonald’s All-American went viral, people falling in love with his scoring touch and high swagger. In 2025, however, he only played 2 minutes in the Magic’s most important game. What happened?

Cole Anthony’s Career

When the Magic drafted him, they hoped for a franchise cornerstone to build around and to get them points. That is what Anthony had done at every level of basketball up to that point. Like back in high school or at North Carolina, the bluest of all blue bloods. The plan was always to give him the ball and let him cook, and he was athletic enough with a deep enough bag to make it work at both levels.

The NBA Is a Different Game, However

To succeed as a 6-foot-2 guard in this league, you need either the elite shooting of Stephen Curry or the otherworldly athleticism and decision-making (on the court) of Ja Morant. Two things Anthony lacks. His three-point shooting has always been below average, with his career average being .345, well below what guards today in the modern NBA should be shooting to thrive. At least Morant has an elite pick-and-roll transition game. He is also one of the best passers in the league. Anthony lacks all of these things.

That Was By Accidental Design

Because coaches let Anthony score however he wanted, he didn’t develop elite court vision or decision-making or even a good three-point shot. Anthony was then hurt by being drafted by the Magic. Not because he’s a bad basketball player but because he’s a bad modern NBA player. His strengths are things the NBA has figured out and moved on from.

Can He Come Back?

Being the son of an ex-NBA player, Greg Anthony, an 11-year veteran point guard, gives him an advantage most do not have. Not to mention he has never had any complaints, only praise about his work ethic. It’s what made him a 5-star recruit and an All-ACC freshman team member. I am sure he will work on his playmaking and shooting because he wants to be an NBA player. That is what he has to do to stay in the league.

He could go to a franchise that gives him a chance and gives him the ball like he’s back in HS and become the superstar his many fans wanted him to be. If not, then he will have a long NBA career like his dad as a valuable role player soon.