2023 NBA Draft Live Tracker: Grading every pick made
2023 NBA Draft grade: No. 6 pick Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
Arkansas. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. G. Anthony Black. 6. player. 38
Grade: B
The Magic bolster their backcourt with Arkansas freshman Anthony Black, who makes a great deal of sense as connective tissue alongside franchise cornerstones Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. At 6-foot-7, Black’s primary calling card is his tenacious, intelligent defensive presence.
Black doesn’t shoot, which could hinder his fit in Orlando. The Magic’s spacing is already compressed and Black will not demand defensive attention behind the 3-point line. He doesn’t really have a pull-up jumper either, so there are real scoring concerns.
Even so, he’s explosive downhill and capable of putting pressure on the rim. He’s arguably the best passer on the board, always operating with his head on a swivel. His size and versatility fits well with Orlando’s general M.O. of being absurdly long.
From our NBA Draft Big Board:
"A big guard who can function as a wing in some lineups, Anthony Black is the kind of malleable, connective-tissue offensive player so many good teams covet. He doesn’t create his own shots with much success, but Black is a gifted passer who can influence winning without dominating touches. He can sling every pass in the book out of pick-and-rolls, he’s great at kickstarting transition offense, and he does the little things to keep the ship sailing smoothly. His versatility and basketball I.Q., even if it isn’t paired with imminent star potential, should keep Black in the lottery conversation."