Overall, the Magic’s elite defense (one that makes them look like a serious contender to start the season) is still very strong when Anthony is on the floor (defensive rating is in the 72nd percentile). His high motor and great physical tools (which are on display any time he punctuates a lob thrown by a teammate) make him a great point-of-attack defender and screen navigator.Īccording to BBall Index, Anthony’s 2022-23 screen navigation (they don’t have 2023-24 numbers up yet) put him in the 98th percentile in their Ball Screen Navigation metric (the database dates back to 2013). He uses his institutional knowledge and accurate hands to pry the ball free from larger opponents (often using Lowry’s signature swipe-down move). Orlando does not have to bear the burden of this tradeoff with Anthony.Īnthony comes from the Kyle Lowry defensive school of being small in stature but big in heart. Many times, when a team bereft of spacing tries to field more shooters, they do so at the cost of their defense ( see Matt Ryan on the New Orleans Pelicans). This is evidenced by the fact that Orlando’s rim accuracy increases by 3.9% when Anthony is on the floor (78th percentile), despite the fact that Anthony himself isn’t a strong finisher. And when he’s on the floor, the spacing he provides (through his outside shooting) helps clear the paint for Wagner and Banchero (and others) to do their bidding. But Anthony is likely one of Orlando’s top three shooters. As a team, the Magic are 28th in 3-point makes (10.6), 28th in 3-point attempts (29.9), and 20th in 3-point% (35.4%). However, many of those players don’t have strong reputations as shooters. The Magic sport a bounty of athletic and rangy wings and forwards. Anthony also offers Orlando something they desperately need: spacing.
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