Cole Anthony has opened up about the difficult reality of playing in the NBA, acknowledging how the business side of the league can affect a player’s relationship with basketball.
Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, Anthony said entering the NBA made him realize that professional basketball is not solely about the game itself.
“When you get to the NBA, you’re confronted with the brutal reality that this is a business first and foremost,” Anthony said, via HoopsHype. “And a lot of times business can just get in the way of your joy or the way you think about the game. For me, I know that’s definitely something that’s happened.”
Anthony entered the NBA as the 15th overall pick of the 2020 draft, selected by the Orlando Magic. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 47 games.
Anthony’s role grew during his early years in Orlando. He averaged a career-best 16.3 points and 5.7 assists in 65 games during the 2021-22 season and was discussed as a potential Most Improved Player candidate.
His role subsequently became smaller, however. Anthony averaged 11.6 points and 2.9 assists in 2023-24 before posting 9.4 points and 2.9 assists in 2024-25. He signed a three-year, $39 million extension with Orlando in October 2023.
The following summer brought a major change. Anthony was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando, but he was bought out before appearing for Memphis and subsequently joined the Milwaukee Bucks.
He averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 35 games for Milwaukee during the 2025-26 season before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in February 2026. Phoenix waived him later that month without him appearing for the team.
Anthony then took his career overseas, signing with Melbourne United for the 2026-27 NBL season.
