Top-15 NBA Draft pick signs deal in Australia, joins former key Jazz forward

Melbourne United have signed former NBA point guard Cole Anthony on a one-year deal. The Australian club officially announced that Anthony has agreed to a one-year contract after spending his NBA career with the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks. Anthony brings six seasons of NBA experience, having played 367 games and averaging 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Born in Portland, United States of America, he was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after one season at the University of North Carolina, where he averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 22 games, earning All-ACC Third Team and Freshman Team honors. He later became a key player in Orlando’s rotation, scoring a career-high 37 points against the Philadelphia 76ers. Melbourne head coach Jacob Chance highlighted Anthony’s scoring ability, leadership, and defensive skills, stating he fits the team’s offensive and defensive needs perfectly. Anthony expressed excitement about joining Melbourne United, aiming to compete for a championship and grow as a player. He will reunite with former Magic teammate Joe Ingles, who also joined Melbourne United. Ingles praised Anthony’s scoring and competitive spirit, predicting he will significantly impact the NBL offense. Melbourne expects Anthony to elevate the team’s performance, leveraging his elite scoring and defensive presence to improve the roster’s overall competitiveness.