Orlando Magic: Can Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony Be Effective Together?
Let’s assume the Orlando Magic get it right and play the 2020 1st round pick, Cole Anthony, alongside the 2021 1st round pick, Jalen Suggs. Which of the two will have the bigger impact on the roster? Both have limitations, however, can be rather effective. And what impact do Markele Fultz and R.J. Hampton have on this duo?
Let me state, I’ve been very against a pairing of Suggs and Anthony for some time. My thought going into the draft was Orlando taking Alperen Sengun (Nicola Vucevic replacement) or Scottie Barnes (who was selected at 4), not a pass-first, somewhat streaky shooting guard in Suggs. Orlando took Suggs, throwing all of Cole’s potential development as the main PG out the window.
All is not lost. Anthony and Suggs can still work. While I view Suggs as a very similar offensive talent as Anthony, he is indeed a better option to score the basketball. That’s not an understatement as Cole just doesn’t have a shot to speak of.
Anthony is one of the NBA’s most crafty at getting to the rim and is an effective dribbler. He can escape double teams and get himself out of tough situations. However, Anthony had a true shooting percentage of .373 in Summer League action. That’s the part of his game that needs to change. And this is where Suggs can prove to be more effective.
Suggs at his core is a playmaker. He’s much more prolific as a scorer. While he doesn’t profile as a 25 ppg guy, get him in the right situation and he will knock down the 3 or jumper. If Anthony thrives at one thing, he’s able to dish out assists. Suggs can also find Cole slashing to the basket, something Cole has shown he can master at the NBA level.
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It’s sort of a yin and yang situation. Suggs can balance Anthony out, giving him the ball and not forcing Cole to shoot if the offense play collapses. Anthony is going to allow Suggs the chance to create offense away from the ball, and allows him to be the second option if teams decide to pressure Cole.
What about the other promising guards on the roster, Markele Fultz and R.J. Hampton? There’s not ro for all four to be at the top of their games in Orlando.
Hampton can definitely profile as the 3 in the lineup. He’s got developing skill, and Orlando can use him as they have some very versatile bigs to run a very crafty offense. Fultz might be the odd man out. There’s a spot for him, but trades need to be made. The shot has come around some, however there’s only room for so many guards with developing and questionable jumpers and three-point strokes. Fultz is at the end of the road.
I do think the Magic coaching staff will tinker with lineups throughout the season. It comes down to letting Cole develop and Suggs as well. Letting them get comfortable together and garner chemistry. They are both first round picks Orlando is heavily invested in. This should be a main priority.
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Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
