Cole Anthony knew changes were needed going into his third season with the Orlando Magic.
He knew he’d have to become stronger and more efficient as a scorer and shooter offensively — which he kept in mind for his offseason work leading into 2022-23.
Anthony knew his role with the team would be different compared to 2021-22, when he led Orlando in scoring, assists and usage rate.
The Magic’s personnel changed with Markelle Fultz retaking a starting spot in the backcourt after two injury-impacted seasons, Orlando drafting the eventual Rookie of the Year in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner being expected to carry a more significant offensive load as a second-year player.
Anthony embraced and adapted to the changes, including playing as a reserve after starting in 99 of 112 games in his first two seasons.
He thrived coming off the bench, putting together his most efficient season.
“I work my tail off every day. I try to do what I can for this team,” Anthony said. “For me, it’s a matter of trying to be the best version of myself I can night in and night out. I found something that works for me for that allowed me to find a level of consistency, especially toward the end of the season.
“For me, it was about accepting that role. Also, at the same time staying healthy. This was the longest stretch of basketball I’ve played in my three-year NBA career. I found a pretty good rhythm while I was doing that.”
Anthony finished 2022-23 with averages of 13 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting career highs of 45.4% from the field, 50% on 2-pointers, 36.4% on 3s and 89.4% on free throws.
His effective field goal percentage — a formula that adjusts for 3-pointers being worth more than made 2-pointers — of 51.8% was a career-best mark and was the first time Anthony scored at above-average efficiency for a player at his position, according to Cleaning The Glass.
He was particularly effective down the stretch of the season after returning from a torn right internal oblique in late November and getting accustomed to the “Sixth Man” role.
Anthony averaged 14.2 points (49.3% shooting, 41.3% on 3s), 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in his 33 games (all coming off the bench) from Jan. 20-April 4 — when the Magic were officially eliminated from postseason contention.
His season-long turnover rate of 11% was a career-best mark. Anthony became more efficient with his decision-making as a pick-and-roll ballhandler — his most common offensive usage — while being more successful as a spot-up/off-ball threat. The added strength and understanding of how to get to his spots helped him have his best season with finishing at the rim.
Anthony was an integral part of a Magic second unit that ranked No. 10 in bench scoring, including No. 5 in their final 38 games.
“I mean, I have obviously my own dreams and aspirations in the NBA. But for me, now, I’m gonna do whatever I can to help this team win,” Anthony said when asked about his comfort with playing as a reserve for the long term. “We have a really bright future here and I can be a big part of that. I’m going to do that to the best of my ability, work my tail off, be a leader, do whatever I can, whatever coaches ask of me.”
Anthony believes he can improve in all areas of his game entering an important summer for him.
He’ll be eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension this offseason since he’s entering the final year of his 4-year, $15.8 million deal he signed after being drafted at No. 15 in 2020.
The deadline for rookie-scale contract extensions is the day before the start of the season. If the Magic and Anthony don’t reach an agreement by then, Anthony could become a restricted free agent during the 2024 offseason.
“I just want to continue to improve on my jump shot, my ability to run a team,” Anthony said. “Continue to get better on the defensive end. I don’t think it’s any one thing I can’t get better at. I want to work toward perfection — you work toward perfection, you might get close.
“I want to really work on my footwork this summer. I watch dudes like [New York Knicks guard] Jalen Brunson … he has tremendous footwork. That’s an area I can really make some big strides.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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