Cole Anthony's Contract: A Steal for the Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have played just two games on the young season, making it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about the team's players. While it's too early to analyze their performance on the court, let's take a closer look at Cole Anthony's contract and its potential impact on the franchise.

A Promising Start

In the first two games, Cole Anthony has been averaging an impressive 19 points in 26 minutes. This early success, combined with his ability to score, suggests that his contract could already be an asset for the Orlando Magic.

The Contract Details

Before the rookie extension deadline, Anthony signed a $39 million contract spanning three seasons. Considering his scoring ability and the potential for further development, this contract has the potential to be a steal for Orlando.

A Versatile Player

Despite his height of just 6'3, Anthony has shown versatility on the court, averaging 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his career. This well-rounded game adds value to his contract and makes him a valuable asset for the team.

The Pessimistic View

Even if Anthony's game doesn't improve significantly, his contract still provides value to the team. As a rotation combo guard, he can contribute off the bench with scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. In today's market, teams are paying $13 million annually for players with similar contributions.

The Optimistic Outlook

At just 23 years old, Anthony has plenty of room for improvement. Players in his age group typically show growth in various aspects of their game, whether it's reducing turnovers, increasing efficiency, or improving on defense. With his potential for improvement, Anthony's contract becomes an even greater steal for the Magic.

Trade Asset Potential

If the Magic decide to pursue a star trade in the future, Anthony's contract could make him a valuable trade asset. Teams are always interested in players who outperform their contracts, and Anthony's presence on the roster could help the Magic keep costs down or facilitate a trade for another valuable asset.

Conclusion

In summary, the Orlando Magic secured Cole Anthony on a contract that provides excellent value for the team. Whether he continues to develop or remains a solid rotation player, his contract is a win for the franchise. As the team looks to build its long-term roster, Anthony's contract will play a crucial role in their decision-making process.

Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass, or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.