Milwaukee Bucks point guard Cole Anthony spent the first five years of his career with the Magic, the team that drafted him No. 15 overall in 2020. A team player and locker room favorite, he was shocked when Orlando shipped him out to Memphis in the Desmond Bane trade that kicked off the offseason in earnest. The Bucks signed Anthony in free agency after the Grizzlies bought him out. Still just 25 years old, he’s both looking forward to his next chapter and still adjusting to the notion of wearing a different jersey for the first time in his pro career.
Leaving Magic, joining Bucks not something Anthony ever imagined
Anthony got the call from his agent, then the team president. It felt fake.
“I was just like, ‘Dang, is this real?’ I remember that whole week; it was just crazy,” Anthony told a local Orlando outlet, per Sean Deveney of Athlon Sports. “I’ve been here five years, haven’t played for another team, was drafted here, so it’s something for me that definitely is bittersweet and I’m going to miss it.”
Anthony’s stock has fallen since his debut. No longer an esteemed prospect, he spent the last several seasons coming off the Magic bench. Before buying him out, the Grizzlies tested his trade value and apparently found none.
The North Carolina product is still a contributor, however, and his efficiency improved once he switched to a reserve role. In 18.4 minutes per game last season, Anthony averaged 9.4 points and 2.9 assists on 42.4/35.3/82.3% splits.
He isn’t a great shooter and is a bit undersized, but he can handle the ball and slice into the paint for floaters and attempts at the rim. As a member of the second unit, his flaws can be minimized and he adds scoring punch the Bucks could use. He’s also fairly young still, aligning him with roster goals.
Prioritized above other free agents like Malcolm Brogdon or Chris Paul, Anthony will certainly have a place at point guard alongside Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. That said, the change of scenery still feels weird.
“I’ve literally said this to several different people … I still feel like I’m on the Magic a little bit. It’s something that’s bittersweet because this has been home, but I’m super excited for this next opportunity and super thankful to the whole Bucks organization.”
The Bucks are thankful to have him.
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