Magic guard Cole Anthony is an early-season candidate for Most Improved Player, Josh Cohen of NBA.com writes. Anthony is averaging 20.2 points and 6.0 assists per game on 43% shooting from the floor, up from last season’s averages of 12.9 points, 4.1 assists and 40% shooting.
“I think it is a reflection of his work ethic,” head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “It’s a reflection of his confidence, and it’s also the confidence that his teammates have in him to be willing to take those shots.
“But again, you also have a group of guys on the floor that are willing to take shots, That’s what we’ve created and it’s the equalness of each guy willing to want to step in to be able to make the big play, so whoever it is they’re willing to have their number called and step in and make a play.”
Anthony is averaging 34.4 minutes per game (compared to 27.1 MPG in 2020/21), but his shooting marks have also improved across the board. The Magic drafted the 21-year-old with the No. 15 pick in 2020.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Heat rookie Omer Yurtseven stepped up in the absence of Bam Adebayo against the Pacers on Friday, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes. Yurtseven received a season-high 19 minutes, recording 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks. His production allowed P.J. Tucker to remain at power forward for most of the contest.
- Heat center Dewayne Dedmon is prepared to continue starting until Adebayo returns, Winderman writes in a separate article for the Sun Sentinel. Dedmon registered a team-high +11 net rating against Indiana. Despite losing by 26 to Cleveland two days prior, the team still managed to outscore the Cavs by two points in the 31 minutes Dedmon played.
- The Hornets are recalling Kai Jones, James Bouknight and Vernon Carey Jr. from the team’s G League affiliate, according to Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer (Twitter link). Boone also notes in a separate tweet that two-way players Arnoldas Kulboka and Scottie Lewis are being recalled. As we previously relayed, Charlotte is missing four players due to the health and safety protocols.
second year players don’t win mip awards i was told. i still believe he is a top candidate.
Omer stepping up. He looked good in SL. Heat always seem to find guys.
Knicks could’ve/should’ve grabbed him (or Haliburton). Needed a PG, kid is from NY, went to Arch Bishop Malloy for part of HS and his dad is a former Knick pick/player.
I completely agree with Padam, the Knicks spent a top ten pick on a a power forward which they had but they do have a superstar point guard and his name is RJ Barrett.
Barrett isn’t a point guard and isn’t a superstar but the rest of your comment was good
Cole Anthony will be an All-Star during his career he is just sooo good… sadly ORL messed up with Jalen Sucks, he will be just another bust!
I called in way back in pre draft Cole is a beast and will be an all star.
I thought the Pistons made a huge mistake taking Hayes over Anthony. Then the Knicks missed on him, then the Suns should’ve taken him as a 6th man off the bench and to learn off CP3.
As for Suggs, I like him. I thought for sure if they drafted him they’d trade Cole tho. Magic just seem like a franchise that make questionable decisions tho. Look at all the good players that have left
His D is not there yet. But he is more a true PG. Playing well now. Good for him. I still see Suggs as the future. Can’t teach size. Just means they can get value for Anthony. A young team should be looking at him. Like Rockets or Pelicans.