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One Breakout Player to Keep an Eye on With the Magic
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Anthony Black has spent the first two years of his NBA career showing quick, good moment.
A slick pass here. A strong defensive possession there. The talent has never really been the question. The opportunity has, though.
With Sean Sweeney taking over as the Orlando Magic 's head coach, Black looks like one of the biggest candidates for a breakout season. The Magic already know what they have in their young core, but finding another reliable playmaker behind that group has been an important piece of the puzzle. Black has a real chance to become that guy.
His biggest opportunity may come soon. Orlando has plenty of size, defense and athleticism, but there were stretches last season when the offense could shut down. Black has the vision and patience to keep things moving, whether that's finding open teammates or creating something when a possession starts to unravel.
Sweeney's arrival could make an even bigger difference.
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Known for his defensive background, Sweeney has also earned praise for player development throughout his coaching career. A fresh offensive system and a defined role could give Black the confidence to be more aggressive instead of simply fitting into the offense. Sometimes that's all it takes for a young player to turn potential into production.
The former lottery pick still has room to grow as a shooter, and that's probably the biggest swing skill in his game. If defenses have to respect his shot even a little more, everything else opens up. His passing lanes get wider. Driving opportunities become easier. Suddenly, those moments start showing up every night instead of every few games.
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The Magic aren't asking Black to become an All-Star overnight. They don't need him taking over games or forcing shots. What they do need is another steady shooter who has other skills, too.
If he embraces that role, this could be the season Anthony Black starts looking less like a promising prospect and more like a key piece of Orlando's future.
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