Orlando Magic rookie Cole Anthony confirmed that he will return to play on Wednesday versus the Washington Wizards after missing the past 25 games due to a rib injury.
Magic head coach Steve Clifford said on Tuesday Anthony practiced with the team and there was a chance he could play on Wednesday. Anthony said he feels great again now that the bone has fully healed and is ready to play versus the Wizards.
“It feels great,” Anthony said on Wednesday. “It’s money time. I’m ready to make a run. I’m ready to have some fun. I’m 100% playing. I’m ready to play.”
The 15th overall pick last played on Feb. 9 and will return to a team that has overgone a drastic makeover. The Magic, in separate moves, traded Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier while acquiring R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris, Otto Porter Jr. and Wendell Carter Jr.
Anthony will now be tasked with adjusting to his new teammates while acting as the primary ballhandler. He will likely return to the starting lineup for the Magic, which will give the team a huge boost after dealing with several injuries recently.
As the point guard, Anthony wants to lead by example over the remainder of the season.
“(I want to keep) this young group of guys and this group engaged at all times,” Anthony said. “It’s a long season. We have 25 games left, that’s almost a college season. It’s a matter of keeping everyone engaged, keeping everyone locked in and being able to help everyone maintain a high level of play each night.”
Anthony, through 25 games played, is averaging 11 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists this season.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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