
Anthony Black, freshman, Arkansas
Measureables: 6-foot-7, 198 pounds, 19.4 years old
Statistics: 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 32.0 percent shooting from three on 2.7 attempts per game
Portland could use a lead guard to spell Lillard and/or Simons. Black could be that player, but he would bring a much different profile to the Blazers backcourt.
One, he’s 6-7. Two, he’s a pass-first player. Three, those attributes would allow him to play next to Dame or Ant, or in three-guard lineups alongside both.
Like Rupert, Black isn’t ready to wow anyone offensively, at least not yet. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor compares him to Lonzo Ball with the way he keeps the offense humming and makes smart reads while being able to see over the top of defenses.
He also has a little Luka Doncic to his game in terms of using his body and IQ in pick-and-roll situations. He gets to the free-throw line and can finish through contact, although he’s a bit more athletic than Luka, just not as strong.
He’s also a good defender, using his size to his advantage.
The problem, again like Rupert, will be scoring. Black likely won’t be a bucket-getter at any point in his career, but the rest of his game can make up for that, especially in a situation like Portland’s.
NBA coaches will love being able to use 6-6 Anthony Black defending PGs and POA. Awesome anticipation, hand/eye coordination, quick hands, positional length.
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) February 21, 2023
Consecutive steals picking up full court pic.twitter.com/WkSX91BkQ6
Consecutive 26-point, 6-assist games for Anthony Black in Maui. Passing and defense were always there and felt translatable given size/instincts. Big deal if he can score often like this off dribble moves, speed change, creating finishing angles, touch shots etc. pic.twitter.com/eELq0VoKuy
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) November 23, 2022