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I just went through every pick from 2020 through 2024. That’s 150 first-round picks. First question: did they make an impact for more than a month or two for the team that drafted them? The obvious choices are Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball (2020); Cade Cunningham (2021) and Stephon Castle (2024). Throw in guys like Onyeka Okongwu (2020) and Anthony Black (2023) who clearly are difference makers for the teams that drafted them or traded for them on draft night. How many of that 150 total made the “good list”? 46. In total, less than a third of those first rounders have proved, on their original team, that they belong. For every Franz Wagner and Alperen Şengün we had a Patrick Williams or Kai Jones.
While the contract of Isaac gives Orlando flexibility to shed salary or use as a potential trade chip, the immediacy of Black’s extension talks will be interesting following Jalen Suggs getting a five-year, $150 million extension, and with Black having comparable statistics to Suggs last season. NBA executives across the league believe Orlando will eventually have to choose between keeping Suggs or Black on the roster long-term due to their incoming salary cap situation.
Jason Beede: Earlier in the locker room in Detroit, I asked #Magic guard Anthony Black what’s going to stick with him from this season. He replied: “Losing Game 6.”
With Wagner out, Mosley employed an eight-man rotation. Jamal Cain, who started in Wagner’s place, was a non-factor on offense. The only bench player who made a clearly positive impact was third-year guard Anthony Black, who scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists. Making up for Wagner’s absence Friday in Game 6 will be a difficult task, even at home. Under Mosley, the Magic have compiled an 8-1 postseason record at Kia Center, and the Magic will need every ounce of that home-court advantage they can muster. “It’s a must-win,” center Wendell Carter Jr. said. “Just how desperate they were (tonight), we should be just as desperate, if not more. We don’t want to come back here.”
Yahoo Sports: The Magic have been fined $25,000 by the NBA for violating injury reporting rules, per the league. Orlando listed Anthony Black as "Out" in the initial injury report prior to its matchup with the Pistons on April 6, where he subsequently played in the game.
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The Magic have upgraded Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain) to probable for Monday’s game against Cleveland.
Jason Beede: #Magic guard Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain) and forward Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) remain OUT for Friday’s game at Dallas. After making his return to the court Wednesday vs. Atlanta, Franz Wagner is off Orlando’s injury report.
Jason Beede: For those curious: Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, and Jonathan Isaac — who are all OUT for tonight’s game at the Raptors — all traveled with the #Magic to Toronto. Of note: Black and Isaac are getting in some pre-game on-court work at Scotiabank Arena, but Wagner isn’t tonight.
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Jason Beede: The #Magic list Wendell Carter Jr. (left rib mild contusion) as Questionable for Saturday’s game vs. the Lakers. Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain), Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain injury management) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) all remain OUT.
Cody Taylor: Anthony Black and Franz Wagner remain out for the Magic as they host the Thunder tonight: The full injury report:
Jason Beede: The #Magic list Jett Howard (illness) as Questionable for Monday’s game at Atlanta. Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain), Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain injury management) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) all remain OUT.
