Bucks Make Historic Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 10:28 PM ET

Like father, like son. The Milwaukee Bucks welcomed Cole Anthony to the team on Tuesday's social media update on X. Anthony was originally part of the Orlando Magic trade to the Memphis Grizzlies along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four unprotected first-round picks for Desmond Bane. Following that, he was waived by the Grizzlies after a contract buyout agreement.

With Damian Lillard gone, the Bucks needed more reinforcement at the point guard spot. They strengthened their backcourt depth by adding Anthony to play with Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and Gary Harris.

When it was time to choose a jersey number, Anthony honored his father by selecting No. 50. Even when he was with the Magic, the high-flying point guard wore the same number.

Given that his father wore the same number while playing for the Bucks, Anthony found it to be a heartfelt gesture. After being dismissed by the Chicago Bulls during the 2001–02 season, Greg Anthony agreed to a deal to play for Milwaukee. He appeared in 24 games, averaging 7.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

It was also his final season in the NBA before transitioning into a career of broadcasting.

"Familiar name. Familiar number," the Bucks posted on X. "Cole will wear No. 50, as his father did in 2002."

Familiar name. Familiar number.

Cole will wear No. 50, as his father did in 2002. pic.twitter.com/zXERpGLeVU
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 23, 2025

The younger Anthony is expected to have a promising backup role for the Bucks. His energy provides lift for the team, since he's always been a sparkplug off the bench for the Magic. He has played in 320 games over his five-year career, but he has only started 125 of them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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