Introduction
Anthony Black has emerged as one of the most talked-about young guards in the NBA. Since being picked 6th overall in the 2023 draft by Orlando Magic, Black has shown flashes of brilliance — whether with a scoring outburst, defensive hustle, or pure athleticism. But there’s more to him than just the box score. In this article, we dive into his career highs, physical profile, background, and even what fans are saying about him on Reddit.
Who is Anthony Black? Background & Early Career
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Anthony Black was born on January 20, 2004.
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He attended Duncanville High School (in Duncanville, Texas), before committing to Arkansas Razorbacks for college basketball.
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In his lone collegiate season (2022–23), Black started all 36 games, putting up 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.1 steals per game on average.
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He earned accolades: All-SEC 2nd Team (coaches), SEC All-Freshman Team, and was a finalist for the Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year award.
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Notably, Black became the only player in Razorbacks history to record 450+ points, 180+ rebounds and 140+ assists in a single season.
His performance in college, combined with his physical tools, made him a top lottery pick candidate — and indeed, he was selected 6th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.
Physical Profile: Height, Build & Playing Style
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Officially, Black stands 6′ 7″ (2.01 m) and weighs about 200 lb (91 kg).
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His size is one of his greatest assets — a guard with the length and wingspan to match many forwards. That allows him to guard multiple positions (1–3), switch effectively on defense, and contribute in transition.
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On offense, he displays solid ball-handling, passing vision, and ability to run the pick-and-roll. However — scouts note that while he is a “three-level passer,” his shooting (particularly mid-range and outside shots) remains a work in progress.
In short: Black is not your typical guard. He’s more like a “wing-guard hybrid,” blending guard skills with forward-height size — a valuable combo in the modern NBA.
Jersey & Identity
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On the Orlando Magic roster, Black wears jersey #0.
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Regarding ethnicity/nationality: Black is from the United States.
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(Note: There is no widely published material suggesting any other ethnic background — all official bios list him simply as American.)
Career Highs & Recent Highlights
Anthony Black has already delivered several memorable performances early in his NBA career:
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On December 26, 2023, he recorded a then career-high 23 points and 4 steals in a win vs. the Washington Wizards.
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Fast forward to November 25, 2025 — Black exploded for a new career-high 31 points, along with 3 assists off the bench, in an Emirates NBA Cup game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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In the 2025–26 season so far, he’s averaging 11.8 points per game, along with 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.
These flashes of scoring and defensive energy highlight Black’s growing role in the Magic rotation, even as he remains young and evolving.
Statistical Snapshot (NBA & College)
NBA (as of 2025–26)
| Metric | Career Avg (per game) |
|---|---|
| Points | 7.7 |
| Rebounds | 2.6 |
| Assists | 2.3 |
| Steals | 0.9 |
| Blocks | 0.5 |
2025–26 season (so far): ~ 11.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 STL, 0.6 BLK
Shooting splits: FG% ~46.7%, 3P% ~31.7%, FT% ~69.0%
College (2022–23, Arkansas Razorbacks)
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12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.1 steals per game.
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Notably, he set the school freshman records in steals (74) and minutes played; and became the only Razorback ever to tally 450+ points, 180+ rebounds, 140+ assists in a season.
What Fans and Reddit Say About Him
Online fan communities have frequently debated Black’s potential — and his upside distinctly shows. Here are a few recurring themes from Reddit threads:
“I think he’s actually improving despite the stats but is still probably a work in progress.”
“I could easily see … him putting up 18 points and 10 assists a game along with elite defense.”
Some fans believe his size, defensive ability, and passing instincts lay the foundation for a long, impactful career — possibly even as a two-way star. Others caution that Black still needs to sharpen his shooting mechanics and consistency.
In short: Reddit views him as a high-ceiling, developing guard — raw in spots, but with tantalizing upside if polished.
Strengths & Areas for Growth
Strengths:
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Elite physical profile for a guard: height, wingspan, versatility.
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Playmaking: very good court vision, passing accuracy, especially in pick-and-rolls.
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Defense: Can guard multiple positions, plays with aggression, quick hands — contributes steals and blocks.
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Potential upside: At just 21 years old (2025), with a strong foundation, there’s room to grow — particularly on shooting and consistency.
Areas to Improve:
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Shooting consistency: Outside and mid-range shooting remains inconsistent, which limits his scoring threat.
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Finishing inside / post-up game: While decent in transition or spot-up situations, Black has been criticized for lacking elite finishing moves or body control when contested.
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Consistency & offensive aggressiveness: At times prone to variable volume, and still learning when to assert himself versus defer.
Why Anthony Black Matters — and What’s Next
In a league increasingly valuing versatility, being able to mix guard skills with wing/forward size, Anthony Black represents a prototype modern NBA guard: long, switch-capable, playmaking, defensively active — and with potential to grow into a key two-way contributor.
For the Orlando Magic, Black offers depth and flexibility. Whether as a bench spark or future regular rotation piece, he gives them a dynamic option who can guard multiple positions, pass, and, if his shot ever becomes consistent, score.
The next few seasons will be crucial. If Black can tighten up his shot mechanics, stabilize his offense, and build strength — while keeping his defensive energy — there’s a good chance he becomes a regular name in “rising sleeper” and “breakout star” conversations.
FAQs
Q1: What is Anthony Black’s height and playing position?
A: Anthony Black is 6′7″ (2.01 m), weighs ~200 lb (91 kg), and primarily plays as a guard (combo guard / wing).
Q2: Which jersey number does Anthony Black wear?
A: He wears jersey number 0 for the Orlando Magic.
Q3: What is Anthony Black’s background and draft info?
A: Black played college basketball at Arkansas for the Razorbacks. He was drafted 6th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.
Q4: What are Anthony Black’s career-high games so far?
A: As of November 2025, his career-high is 31 points (in an Emirates NBA Cup game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers) along with 3 assists off the bench. Previously, he had posted 23 points and 4 steals on December 26, 2023, vs. the Washington Wizards.
Q5: What are his strengths and weaknesses as a player?
A: His strengths include size-versatility, defensive ability, playmaking, and athleticism. Weaknesses (or areas for improvement) include outside/mid-range shooting consistency, finishing in traffic, and developing a more consistent offensive aggressiveness.
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