All through the primary 5 years of his professional profession, Cole Anthony dedicated himself to the town of Orlando on and off the court docket.
In March 2024, he received the Magic’s Wealthy & Helen DeVos Group Enrichment Award for the primary time, and final fall he was named the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Group Help Award winner for October.
So it was solely becoming Sunday when the previous Magic guard, who was traded earlier this summer time, and his 50 Methods Basis held a back-to-school neighborhood occasion on the Smith Middle that additionally served as a farewell to the native space.
“It was simply essential to let the neighborhood know that we’re nonetheless right here,” Anthony stated. “Orlando nonetheless means so much to us. We nonetheless are grateful for a way the town’s embraced us and all the pieces. We needed to do one thing for the youngsters as a result of that’s what it’s actually about — the subsequent era.”
In mid-June, the Magic despatched Anthony, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and 4 future first-round picks as a part of a blockbuster commerce with Memphis in change for Desmond Bane, who averaged 19.2 factors, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.16 steals per contest final season.
Anthony, who was drafted by Orlando fifteenth total in 2020, couldn’t consider what occurred when Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman referred to as him.
“I bear in mind my agent referred to as me; I bear in mind speaking with Jeff, and I used to be identical to, ‘Dang, is that this actual?’” the 6-foot-2 guard stated. “I do not forget that entire week; it was simply loopy.
“I’ve been right here 5 years, haven’t performed for an additional group, was drafted right here, so it’s one thing for me that undoubtedly is bittersweet and I’m going to overlook it.”
Whereas Caldwell-Pope caught with the Grizzlies, Anthony didn’t.
As a substitute, he signed with the Bucks in July after he agreed to a buyout with Memphis. Anthony, 25, will be a part of former Magic guard Gary Harris, who additionally signed with Milwaukee as a free agent after Orlando declined his membership choice for the upcoming season.
Anthony and Harris will go well with up alongside two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led Milwaukee to its second league championship in 2021. Anthony needs to assist Milwaukee get again to the highest after three straight first-round postseason exits.
“I take a look at it as an incredible alternative to enter one other group the place they’ve a playoff pedigree and a championship pedigree,” Anthony stated about becoming a member of the Bucks. “They’ve received a ‘chip there. I simply need to get in there, contribute and do no matter I can for the group. I need to be part of profitable.”
The total NBA schedule is predicted to be launched Thursday and Anthony will face his former Jap Convention group not less than thrice within the common season.
He anticipates blended feelings when he returns to Kia Middle.
“It’s undoubtedly going to be actually bittersweet,” Anthony stated. “I’ve actually stated this to a number of individuals … I nonetheless really feel like I’m on the Magic slightly bit.
“It’s one thing that’s bittersweet as a result of this has been dwelling, however I’m tremendous excited for this subsequent alternative and tremendous grateful to the entire Bucks group.”
Jason Beede will be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
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