The Orlando Magic are entering the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations after adding Desmond Bane and positioning themselves as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. While Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner headline the young core, there's another player poised to take a massive leap forward and shock the basketball world with his emergence as a legitimate two-way star.
Anthony Black is the Magic player who will have a breakout season that stuns the league, transforming from a promising second-year guard into a dynamic playmaker who elevates Orlando's ceiling to championship level.
The Perfect Storm for Anthony Black's Breakout
Black enters his second season in a completely different situation than his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old guard struggled with consistency in his first year, averaging 9.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting just 42.3 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range. However, those struggles were largely due to being thrust into roles he wasn't ready for on a team desperate for offensive production.
Now, with Tyus Jones handling primary playmaking duties and Desmond Bane providing elite perimeter shooting, Black can focus on what he does best: creating mismatches with his 6-foot-7 frame, defending multiple positions, and making plays in transition. The addition of these veterans allows Black to operate as a complementary piece rather than being forced to carry offensive responsibilities he wasn't prepared for.
Black showed flashes of his potential throughout his rookie season, particularly in the playoffs where he stepped up when needed most. In the Play-In Game victory over Atlanta, he exploded for 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range, finishing with a game-high plus-34 rating. These moments provided glimpses of what Black could become when operating in the right system.
Why Black's Ceiling Is Higher Than Anyone Realizes
The Arkansas product possesses a unique skill set that makes him perfectly suited for coach Jamahl Mosley's system. Mosley has built his reputation on player development, particularly with young guards. His approach emphasizes empowering players to read defenses and make decisions rather than running rigid sets, which plays directly into Black's strengths as an instinctual basketball player.
Black's physical tools are remarkable for a guard. At 6-foot-7 with a 200-pound frame, he can guard positions one through four while creating mismatches on offense. His length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots from players who would typically have advantages over smaller guards. Defensively, he's already shown the ability to switch onto bigger players and hold his own, a skill that becomes increasingly valuable in playoff basketball.
Anthony Black ! pic.twitter.com/Su5wI4Rbup
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 24, 2025
The shooting concerns from his rookie year may be overblown. Black shot 40 percent from the corners on three-point attempts, suggesting his mechanics are sound when he gets quality looks. With better spacing around him and reduced pressure to create his own shot, those percentages should improve significantly. Even modest improvement to around 35 percent from three would make him a legitimate threat on the perimeter.
Perhaps most importantly, Black's basketball IQ and feel for the game are exceptional for someone his age. He consistently makes the right read in pick-and-roll situations and shows advanced understanding of help defense concepts. These intangibles often separate good players from great ones and suggest Black's development curve may be steeper than many anticipate.
The Supporting Cast Makes All the Difference
The Magic's improved roster construction creates the perfect environment for Black's emergence. With Banchero and Wagner commanding defensive attention, Black will see far more favorable matchups and cleaner looks than he did as a rookie. The presence of Bane as a legitimate three-point threat will open up driving lanes for Black to attack closeouts and create for others.
Mosley's coaching staff additions this offseason, including renowned player development specialist God Shammgod, signal the organization's commitment to maximizing their young talent. Shammgod has a track record of connecting with players and improving their offensive skill sets, particularly in areas like ball-handling and shot creation where Black needs refinement.
The Magic's defensive identity also plays into Black's hands. As one of the league's elite defensive teams, Orlando can afford to be patient with Black's offensive development knowing his defensive versatility provides immediate value. This reduces pressure and allows him to grow into his offensive role naturally rather than being forced into uncomfortable situations.
Black's role as the primary backup point guard also means he'll see consistent minutes throughout the season. Unlike some young players who see their playing time fluctuate based on matchups or team needs, Black has a defined role that should allow him to build rhythm and confidence over the course of 82 games.
The combination of improved roster construction, elite coaching, and a clearly defined role creates the perfect storm for Black to exceed expectations and emerge as a legitimate two-way contributor. When the season concludes, don't be surprised if Anthony Black has established himself as one of the league's most promising young guards and a key piece of Orlando's championship puzzle.
His breakout won't just help the Magic compete for a title – it will announce the arrival of their next homegrown star and shock a basketball world that isn't ready for his rapid ascension.
