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Orlando Magic: 3 players who will benefit from new head coach

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 26: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic looks to shoot against Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half at Amway Center on March 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 26: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic looks to shoot against Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half at Amway Center on March 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic players that will benefit: 2. Cole Anthony

If you are point guard Cole Anthony, you’ve got to be feeling pretty good right about now. His rookie year went extremely well, with the exception of a strange rib injury that derailed him somewhat, and by season’s end, he had established himself as one of the emotional leaders and tone-setters of the group.

You would think the introduction of a new coach would threaten all of that, but the reality is that they may actually lean harder into Anthony next season. There is no doubt that the front office still loves Markelle Fultz, who they stole from the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2019. He is currently rehabbing a torn ACL but was their second-best player in a playoff series a year ago.

Coach Clifford also clearly loved Fultz as well, and with good reason. The way he plays at a measured pace, getting into the paint with ease and defending well, are qualities Clifford was always going to be drawn to. His decision-making and taking care of the ball were getting even better before he went down as well.

But Anthony has a head start in impressing his new head coach, and his personality and way of playing are infectious. If ever there was a moment to steal the starting spot in the backcourt from Fultz, it is in the period before he comes back from injury. About the only roadblock at this point is R.J. Hampton, who is in a similar position himself.

The NBA is cruel and filled with fleeting chances, and Anthony has one right here. It will be no surprise when he starts opening night, sets the tone and takes more shots than he has in a game before. After that, it will be up to Anthony to do the right things with this opportunity to stick as the guard of the future in Orlando.

He will also likely have an incoming offensive-minded rookie who is looking to impress to work with as well. Something Fultz never had as he was embedded with the departed veterans before everything changed. A sea change is coming to this roster, and it gives Anthony an advantage at this moment in time.

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