Cole Anthony previously said the Orlando Magic can have a scary backcourt with Jalen Suggs, and the second-year guard on Wednesday expressed his excitement to see it develop this season.
The two players have started in each of the Magic’s five games. They are part of a starting group that has posted a plus-26.9 net rating in 55 minutes together on the court. The unit is holding its opposition to 87.9 points while scoring 114.8 points per 100 possessions.
Anthony is leading the Magic in scoring, averaging 17 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. Meanwhile, the debut of Suggs has been a work in progress as the fifth overall pick is posting 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 28.6% shooting from the field.
Despite the mixed start, Anthony likes what he has seen so far.
I think it has been pretty solid. Obviously, we’re both still learning out there, especially with it being his first year in the league. He is dealing with stuff I was dealing with last year and even still a little bit to this point right now. I just want him to keep learning. I think he has got a super bright future ahead. I’m excited to see how this backcourt could potentially develop.
The starting lineup, which was been the same in each game, had an average age of 21 years, 213 days on opening night. It is the youngest opening night starting lineup in history since the NBA began tracking starters in 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Orlando will spend much of the season in a development stage. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley has stressed the importance of the group growing and learning from mistakes, something that Anthony and Suggs will surely benefit from.
The team will eventually get Markelle Fultz back from injury, which will change the lineup some. However, the early chemistry developed between Anthony and Suggs will surely help them and it could even, potentially, morph into that scary backcourt Anthony predicted.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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