Anthony Black was selected 6th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2023 NBA Draft. His draft class was one of the most hyped since 2003 when LeBron James was the No.1 prospect. Black was selected among players like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Brandon Miller who are some of the best recruits in recent history. However, the Magic’s newest addition isn’t any less than his draft peers. He’s a massive threat to them.
The 19-year-old point guard competed for the Arkansas Razorbacks averaging 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He was a very strong two-way guard who averaged 2.1 steals consistently throughout the 2022-23 college basketball season. But Black has massive shoes to fill as a rookie. The Magic takes pride in being the first squad Shaquille O’Neal played for. Shaq easily ranks top 10 among the greatest players of all time as well.
Orlando welcomed Shaq in 1992 as the No.1 overall pick. He won the Rookie of the Year award and competed against Michael Jordan in the playoffs shortly after. O’Neal was exceptional on the court but things only got better after he began his journey in sports entertainment. Right now, he is one of the richest NBA players ever who regularly boasts about owning 50 brands across the country.
Anthony Black gifts his younger sibling a pair of Cars-themed Crocs
When it comes to gifts, Shaq’s surprises are almost unmatchable. O’Neal has a big heart that loves to spend money on his family and his community. When he was a rookie, the 4x NBA Champion spent $500,000 on cars for his parents and himself. Shaq admitted that it was one of his most careless moments while spending money, but he stands as an example to young athletes today.
Anthony Black splurged a little money on his younger brother. The Magic point guard bought his sibling a pair of Cars-themed Crocs with lights at the bottom. While his purchase wasn’t as massive as Shaq’s, Black is taking baby steps into his NBA career. He signed a $32.9 million four-year fully guaranteed contract with the Magic.
And 1 baby!
Lets go Anthony Black! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mHLj0lrh2y
— WeltGawd (@MagicMan816) July 8, 2023
Black has been earning paychecks since the start of his college basketball career. NIL deals weren’t in existence during Shaq’s time but they have recently become popular among young athletes. According to On3, Black’s recent NIL valuation was $306,000. Anthony still has a long way to go and he will most likely be a top player in the league in the years to come.