Rookie seasons in the NBA often serve as a testing ground, where flashes of potential hint at what a player might become. These moments of brilliance, though often inconsistent, give early indications of a player’s future trajectory. For Anthony Black, the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, his rookie season with the Orlando Magic showcased several of these flashes, providing glimpses into his potential.
Thrown into the starting lineup following an injury to Markelle Fultz, Black quickly proved his worth. His size and physicality allowed him to make an immediate impact as a defender, fitting seamlessly into the Magic’s defensive schemes. This adaptability made him a reliable choice in a difficult situation, and both Black and the Magic benefited from it.
However, Black’s shooting ability was a concern heading into the draft, and it remained a focal point throughout his rookie season. He wasn’t known for his shooting, often hesitating to take shots and selecting his opportunities carefully. Despite this, Black showed significant improvement in this area, demonstrating confidence in his shot, albeit on a limited basis.
While his defense and improved shooting were noteworthy, Black’s playmaking abilities were less prominent. Although he was a point guard by position, he didn’t assume the role of a primary creator or playmaker. The potential was there, evidenced by moments like a standout play during a preseason game against the Brazilian team Flamengo. In this instance, Black blocked a shot, initiated a fast break, and delivered an impressive bounce pass through a defender’s legs to Caleb Houstan for a layup. This display of vision and passing ability hinted at the playmaking skills Black could bring to the table.
Despite these glimpses of potential, Black had few opportunities to showcase his playmaking during the regular season. With Fultz no longer on the roster, Black is expected to step into a backup point guard role, where his playmaking and ability to create for others will be tested. This could be the area of his game that requires the most development in his sophomore season.
Statistically, Black’s rookie season was modest. He averaged 4.6 points and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from beyond the arc, though all on low volume. In the 33 games he started, Black’s averages slightly improved to 5.0 points and 1.8 assists per game, but his shooting percentages dipped during these starts, especially early in the season when he was still acclimating to the league.
Defensively, Black was a standout, particularly in the early part of the season when the Magic needed him most. He quickly earned a reputation as a strong defender, with the Magic posting a 108.9 defensive rating when he was on the floor—a figure that was 1.9 points per 100 possessions better than their season average. This defensive prowess kept him in the lineup, even as he was still finding his footing offensively.
However, Black’s offensive presence was minimal. His usage rate of 12.7 percent was very low, and he averaged just 26.4 touches per game, a figure that lagged behind even some of his less prominent teammates. During his early-season starting stretch, Black’s touches increased to 33.6 per game but still trailed others like Joe Ingles. Additionally, his involvement in key offensive plays, such as pick-and-roll situations, was limited, averaging just 0.7 possessions per game in such scenarios and yielding only 0.61 points per possession.
These statistics suggest that the Magic were cautious in their use of Black on offense, opting to keep the ball out of his hands for much of the season. This conservative approach may have been due to his inexperience or the team’s need to prioritize other playmakers.
As the Magic look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s clear that Black will need to take on a larger role, especially with the departure of Fultz. The team has set the stage for Black to step up as a more significant contributor, particularly in playmaking and offensive creation. Whether he can rise to this challenge will be a key factor in his development and the Magic’s success in the coming season.
