The 2024 NBA rookie class is off to an incredible start.
Headlined by All-Star level play from Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, the league hasn’t seen a group like this in a while.
In addition to the star big men at the top, players like Ausar Thompson, Brandon Miller, Jordan Hawkins, Jamie Jaquez Jr., Keyonte George and more have made lots of noise.
Still, beyond these guys, there are several rookies bringing legitimate impact despite a lack of gaudy numbers. For instance, Anthony Black has been instrumental in the resurgence of the Orlando Magic.
The No. 6 overall pick, Black’s impact on Orlando is impossible to capture via box score numbers. Ever since Markelle Fultz went down with a knee injury five games in, Black has slid into the starting “point guard” spot. Now, he hasn’t necessarily been their de facto facilitator, but he’s brought lots of value on defense while serving as a complimentary offensive piece.
Since his initial insertion into the starting lineup, the 6-foot-7 19-year-old has averaged just 4.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest. However, the Magic are 11-4 and just strung together an impressive nine-game win streak.
Black’s played a big role in this. Most importantly, he plays better defense than Fultz. He brings positional size, quick feet, length and maybe the best hands on the team. He’s a perfect option to guard off-guards while Jalen Suggs pressures the primary ball handler. Additionally, he’s not yet the most talented offensive player, but he knows his limits. He rarely forces the issue and fills in the gaps as Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero take care of the bulk of the creation.
That being said, Black still has a long way to go in order to cement himself as a franchise cornerstone for Orlando. First and foremost he needs to secure himself as a legitimate shooting threat from outside. He’s converted under 30% of his limited attempts from beyond the arc thus far. On a squad built around two forward creators and an off-guard who aren’t sharpshooters, spacing around them is crucial.
Black has plenty of time to develop a shot; he’s only 19. He’s way ahead of the curve for his age, and could become an essential building block for the Magic in due time.
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