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Milwaukee Bucks: How Does New Signing Cole Anthony Fit Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo? 2 Mar 31, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) reacts after a three point basket against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports NBA Rumors

Spunky newcomer believes choosing Bucks will emerge as clear 'right move'

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 11:47 AM ET

There were many reasons Cole Anthony chose to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after being bought out by the Grizzlies. He gets to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the best players in the world, on a playoff contender where he has an wide-open role. It’s also the place where his dad, Greg, wrapped up his career wearing the same No. 50 jersey.

A free agent this summer for the first time in his career, Anthony had options. When all is said and done, he believes that deciding on Milwaukee will look like an obvious choice.

Anthony, Bucks struck what should prove to be symbiotic partnership

Still just 25, Anthony spent the first five years of his career in Orlando. Then, in the first real move of the summer and one that caught Anthony off guard, the Magic traded him to Memphis in a deal for star guard Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies reportedly tried to flip him themselves but could not find a trade partner, leading to the buyout.

Before the buyout became official, Anthony already had his sights set on Milwaukee, where landed on a one-year deal worth $2.7 million. He would have a salary around $13 million this year if not for the buyout.

The Bucks had re-signed Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, making Anthony the likely third option but with a clear path to more playing time. In his humble opinion, he sees himself as capable of filling a role of any size.

“I’ve always felt, when I’m mentally right and physically right, I don’t think there’s anyone who can match me, I’m going to be honest,” Anthony said. But, you know, looking at this team, I was like, Yo, it’s a talented team. We got some young dudes here.”

Anthony is a ‘young dude’ himself. Emphasizing youth across the roster, the Bucks now have a point guard group where Porter is the oldest of the bunch at 25, by 11 days over Anthony. In career-low playing time in Orlando last season, he still averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists (18.4 minutes per game).

Over 320 career games, those averages increase to 12.5, 4.3, and 3.8 (24.8 PMG).

Milwaukee Bucks Cole Anthony (50) dribbles during an Orlando Magic game against the New Orleans Pelicans. / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

“Obviously you got big GA,” Anthony continued, “who is one of one, best player in the world. But I was just like, this is a team that has a championship pedigree. They’ve done it and I think they can do it again. And I was like, man, I’d love to be part of a team that is really playing for something, that can go win a championship. I was in Orlando several years where we weren’t good. That wasn’t really my main goal to go do that again.”

While the Magic made the playoffs each of the past two years, they did not during Anthony’s first three seasons and barely cracked 20 win in 2021 and ’22. The Bucks might not be a title contender, but provided Giannis stays healthy, they have a high floor.

With Porter elevated to the starting five, having Anthony off the bench for secondary scoring and creation is a big plus. Between him and Rollins, the latter is the better defender but Anthony is more of a scorer and closer to a point guard. For his size, he is also a solid rebounder. If he can just be adequate defensively, he has a clear place in the Bucks’ rotation. He could end up being one of the offseason’s most underrated signings.

Milwaukee Bucks Could Target Surprising PG, 5-Year Veteran in Buyout Market, Addressing Critical Roster Need 2 Nov 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cameron Payne (15) dribbles the ball away from Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

The way things played out, going with the Bucks “ended up being I believe the right move,” Anthony described his offseason thought process. “And I think the further we get on, we’ll be like, All right, this really was the right move.”

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

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