Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Former NBA first-round pick Cole Anthony has joined Melbourne United as the final piece of the NBL heavyweights’ roster puzzle.
Anthony played all but 35 of his 367 NBA games for Orlando and will be United’s starting point guard for their first season under Jacob Chance.
The 188cm American is embarking on his first NBL stint after playing his entire professional career thus far in the NBA.
He was selected by the Magic with the 15th pick of the 2020 NBA draft and traded to the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the most recent season.
Anthony’s arrival is the culmination of a long search for United, who lost import guard Tyson Walker to French side JL Bourg over the off-season.
“This is a great opportunity to continue growing as a player and compete for a championship,” 26-year-old Anthony said in a statement.
“I’m ready to get to work and can’t wait to represent the club.”
Anthony is set to partner sharpshooter Chris Goulding in the back-court for the 2026/27 season and joins star locals Joe Ingles, Shea Ili and Luke Travers on the roster.
He follows centre Josh Oduro to become United’s second import signing for the new season that begins in September.
Anthony’s arrival completes the perennial contenders’ roster as they prepare for life after long-term coach Dean Vickerman.
United have made the grand final series in two of the past three seasons, only to lose in the decisive fifth game on both occasions.
They placed fifth on the ladder in the most recent campaign, but lost to the Perth Wildcats in a sudden death play-in game during the post-season.
