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NBA Star Cole Anthony Signs with Melbourne United
NBA Star Cole Anthony Signs with Melbourne United: A New Chapter Down Under
Who Is Cole Anthony?
Imagine a basketball player who was once picked 15th overall in the entire NBA draft — that’s Cole Anthony! He’s a point guard (the player who usually brings the ball up the court and runs the offense) known for being:
- Super athletic — he can jump high and move fast
- A dynamic scorer — he can shoot from far away, drive to the basket, and make tricky passes
- A former college star — he played for the famous University of North Carolina (UNC)
Important Point: The Melbourne United team calls him "one of the most athletic and dynamic guards the NBL will have ever seen." That’s huge praise!
His NBA Journey: From Orlando to… Australia?
Cole’s NBA career has been like a rollercoaster ride. Let’s break it down step by step:
1. The Magic Years (2020–2025)
- Drafted 15th overall by the Orlando Magic in 2020
- Played 5 seasons as a regular part of the team
- Signed a 3-year, $39 million contract extension before his 4th season
- Solid stats: 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game
- Good shooter: 41.9% overall, 34.5% from 3-point range, 84.7% free throws
2. The Trade to Memphis (Summer 2025)
- Young stars Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black emerged in Orlando
- Magic traded Anthony + Kentavious Caldwell-Pope + draft picks to Memphis Grizzlies
- This was part of the deal that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando
3. Quick Stops in Milwaukee & Phoenix (2025–2026)
- Bought out by Grizzlies → signed minimum deal with Milwaukee Bucks
- Struggled: Only 6.7 points per game, career-worst 30.6% from 3-point range
- Traded to Phoenix Suns in February → waived (cut) later that month
- Became a free agent (no team) until now
Why Melbourne United? And Why Now?
The Team’s Big Plan
Melbourne United has been so close to a championship:
- NBL Finalists in 2024 AND 2025 (lost both times)
- Disappointing 5th place finish last season
- Major roster overhaul this summer
Their New "Avengers" Lineup
| They’ve added multiple NBA veterans: | Player | NBA Experience | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Ingles | 10+ seasons | Played with Anthony in Orlando (2023–24) | |
| Luke Travers | NBA draft pick | Australian developmental player | |
| Josh Oduro | NBA Summer League | Rising big man | |
| Cole Anthony | 5 NBA seasons | The marquee signing |
Important Point: Coach Jacob Chance says Anthony checks every box: scoring, playmaking, defense, leadership, and being a "really good person off the court."
What Joe Ingles Says
"He’s a great guy, he’s got a big personality, and I think United fans are going to love him."
— Joe Ingles, former NBA veteran & Anthony’s ex-teammate
What This Means for Everyone
For Cole Anthony
- Fresh start at age 26 (still young for a pro!)
- Chance to be THE guy on a championship-contending team
- Coach Chance believes "his best basketball is still ahead of him"
For Melbourne United
- Complete roster for 2026–27 season
- Elite guard who can score, pass, defend, and lead
- Real chance to finally win that elusive championship
For NBL Fans
- Get to watch a bona fide NBA rotation player in person
- John Cain Arena (their home court) will be electric
- League continues attracting high-level international talent
Summary
Cole Anthony, a 26-year-old former 1st-round NBA pick with 5 seasons of solid production for the Orlando Magic, has signed a one-year deal with Melbourne United in Australia’s NBL. After a rough 2025–26 season bouncing between Memphis, Milwaukee, and Phoenix, he’s getting a fresh start on a team that’s aggressively chasing a championship. United has built a roster packed with NBA experience (including his old teammate Joe Ingles), and their coach believes Anthony is the perfect guard to lead them to the promised land. For Australian basketball fans, this is a massive get — a chance to see genuine NBA talent up close.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is the NBL?
The National Basketball League is Australia’s top professional basketball league. It’s widely considered the best league outside the NBA and has produced stars like LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and many current NBA players.
Why would an NBA player go to Australia instead of staying in the NBA?
Sometimes players need a bigger role, more playing time, or a fresh environment to rediscover their form. The NBL offers high-level competition, great facilities, and a chance to be a star rather than a bench player. Many use it as a springboard back to the NBA.
How good was Cole Anthony in his prime?
In his best NBA seasons (with Orlando), he averaged ~13 points, 4–5 rebounds, 4–5 assists on decent shooting. He was a reliable rotation guard who could start or come off the bench — exactly the type of player who dominates in the NBL.
When does the NBL season start?
The NBL season typically runs from October to March, with playoffs in March–April. Anthony will join the team for pre-season training in the coming months.
Can I watch Melbourne United games?
Yes! NBL games are broadcast on ESPN/Kayo Sports in Australia and NBA G League / various streaming platforms internationally. Check Melbourne United’s website for the 2026–27 schedule when it’s released.
