Former Magic guard Cole Anthony may be saying goodbye to Orlando, but he’s definitely not done with the City Beautiful just yet. On Sunday, Anthony hosted a heartfelt back-to-school community event and basketball clinic through his 50 Ways Foundation — a nonprofit he launched in Orlando after being drafted by the Magic back in 2020. Speaking about the importance of the event, Anthony emphasized the strong bond he and his foundation still feel with the city.“It was just important to let the community know, we’re still here. I got traded, I signed with another team, but Orlando means a lot to us. We’re still thankful for how the city’s embraced us, and we still want to do something for the kids,” he said.Anthony spent the entirety of his NBA career in Orlando, playing five seasons with the Magic. He was a key piece in helping the team blossom, going from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to a legitimate playoff contender. He was also a significant presence in the Orlando community, having won the Magic’s Community Enrichment Award and the NBA’s Community Assist Award.Despite being traded earlier this Summer and eventually signing with the Milwaukee Bucks, the guard is adamant that Orlando will always hold a special place in his heart.“Look, we’re not playing here anymore,” he said, “but y’all have embraced us, this has become home, especially with the 50 Ways Foundation that me and my partner Bryce Council run. We just always try to do something for the next generation.” As for his thoughts on next season, Anthony opened up about what it will feel like to return to Orlando, not as a Magic player, but as a member of the Bucks. “It’s definitely going to be bittersweet,” he said. “I mean, I’ve said this to a few people, I still feel like I’m on the Magic, a little bit. This has been home. But I’m super excited for the opportunity.”And with a signature Cole Anthony grin, he added, “It’s going to be straight smoke when I get back here… all love, but it’s going to be smoke when we see them.” A reminder that, even as he moves on, Orlando will always be part of his story. Watch the full interview with Cole Anthony
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Former Magic guard Cole Anthony may be saying goodbye to Orlando, but he’s definitely not done with the City Beautiful just yet.
On Sunday, Anthony hosted a heartfelt back-to-school community event and basketball clinic through his 50 Ways Foundation — a nonprofit he launched in Orlando after being drafted by the Magic back in 2020.
Speaking about the importance of the event, Anthony emphasized the strong bond he and his foundation still feel with the city.
“It was just important to let the community know, we’re still here. I got traded, I signed with another team, but Orlando means a lot to us. We’re still thankful for how the city’s embraced us, and we still want to do something for the kids,” he said.
Anthony spent the entirety of his NBA career in Orlando, playing five seasons with the Magic. He was a key piece in helping the team blossom, going from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to a legitimate playoff contender. He was also a significant presence in the Orlando community, having won the Magic’s Community Enrichment Award and the NBA’s Community Assist Award.
Despite being traded earlier this Summer and eventually signing with the Milwaukee Bucks, the guard is adamant that Orlando will always hold a special place in his heart.
“Look, we’re not playing here anymore,” he said, “but y’all have embraced us, this has become home, especially with the 50 Ways Foundation that me and my partner Bryce Council run. We just always try to do something for the next generation.”
As for his thoughts on next season, Anthony opened up about what it will feel like to return to Orlando, not as a Magic player, but as a member of the Bucks.
“It’s definitely going to be bittersweet,” he said. “I mean, I’ve said this to a few people, I still feel like I’m on the Magic, a little bit. This has been home. But I’m super excited for the opportunity.”
And with a signature Cole Anthony grin, he added, “It’s going to be straight smoke when I get back here… all love, but it’s going to be smoke when we see them.”
A reminder that, even as he moves on, Orlando will always be part of his story.
Watch the full interview with Cole Anthony