Three games into the Magic season, and it’s already looking like deja vu, but this time, the vibe is different. Sean Sweeney’s squad is facing a brutal blow right out of the gate, with Paolo Banchero out for a few weeks due to an ankle injury and Jalen Suggs sidelined with a knee issue for similar time. This is a gut punch, no doubt, especially after the 2025-26 season saw a “myriad of injuries” take down key guys like Franz Wagner. But here’s the kicker: this setback could be the exact opening Anthony Black needs to absolutely explode.
The Magic’s Deja Vu Has a Silver Lining
Nobody wants to see their stars go down, especially not Banchero and Suggs, two cornerstones of the Magic’s future. The fans are probably feeling that familiar dread creep in after last season’s injury woes. But what if this isn’t a disaster, but rather a springboard? The chatter around the team is surprisingly optimistic, and it’s all about Anthony Black’s progression. This kid, the No. 6 pick from the 2023 Draft, is about to get a spotlight he might not have otherwise, and he’s already showing he’s ready for it.
Anthony Black Is Built For This Moment
Black has been steadily improving, lifting his scoring average from 8.6 points per game in 2024-25 to a solid 15.0 points in 2025-26. He’s a true synapse on the court, adept at pushing the ball end to end, and while he’s often thrived off-ball, he’s flashed serious promise as a secondary or tertiary playmaker. That’s huge on a roster loaded with effective scorers like Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane. With Suggs out, Black is almost certainly taking over top guard assignments, showcasing his already accomplished defensive skills, active hands, and willingness to be the primary point-of-attack defender. This is where he can truly flourish.
He just put on a clinic against the Knicks in a 111-102 win, dropping 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including a scorching 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. His shooting has been a bit up and down in his professional career, but that kind of performance? That inspires serious confidence that he’s ready to take a massive leap in the coming weeks and months.
What’s Next: Can Black Keep the Magic Afloat?
The burden on Black is going to be sizable. The Magic absolutely need “all hands on deck” to avoid tumbling down the Eastern Conference standings while two of their best players are on the mend. Black has to shoulder a huge part of that load, keeping the team afloat. Based on what we just saw against the Knicks, the 22-year-old looks completely equal to the task. The next few weeks are going to be a wild ride, and every eye will be on Anthony Black to see if he can truly seize this moment.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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