Anthony Black Scouting Report: 2023 NBA Draft
By: Bryce Williams
The 2023 NBA Draft Class has a multitude of point guards who scouts believe will be solid contributors at the next level. Scoot Henderson, Amen Thompson, Cason Wallace, Kobe Bufkin, and Marcus Sasser are all expected to hear their names called. Outside of that list, there is a guard from Arkansas who I am incredibly high on: Anthony Black.
THE BASICS:
Name: Anthony Black
Position: Guard
Team: Arkansas
Age: 19
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 198 lbs
THE GOOD:
Anthony Black is an incredible passer. He consistently makes the correct read out of the pick and roll, a staple in a modern NBA offense. As a bigger guard, he can see over defenders and into passing lanes that others cannot. Black’s change of pace is elite, and he uses it to throw off his defender’s timing. His change of pace also lets him manipulate and bend defenses to his will, it’s a cruel game when you are guarding Black in the half-court. If defenses key in his ability to pass, Black has no problem charging the rim for a layup or dunk. He has good bounce and athleticism to contort his body around defenders. Black is also a crafty finisher, throwing layups up at awkward angles. A dangerous lob finisher, Black routinely backdoor-cuts his defender if overplayed from the wing or corner.
THE BAD:
There are some holes in Black’s game offensively. He shot just 30 percent on nearly three attempts per game from beyond the arc last year, a number that will certainly need to improve. His shot creation outside of the paint is very lackluster, and it hinders his elite court vision and passing. Black is a capable defender but was inconsistent in his lone year at Arkansas. His big frame for a guard bails him out of situations at times, and he needs to use it as a tool, not a crutch.
PRO COMPARISON:
His game reminds me a lot of Lonzo Ball early in his career: unable to make teams punish from deep, but a good passer, rebounder, and slasher. Black does not possess the defensive capabilities of Lonzo, but if he got there, he could be quite scary. Black’s game also looks a little like Josh Giddey’s, someone who makes his presence felt everywhere to negate his three-point struggles.
CONCLUSION:
Anthony Black is one of my favorite players in the 2023 NBA Class. A highly cerebral, big, athletic guard who manipulates the pick and roll to his will should be a fun mold for teams to play with at the next level. Black, a projected lottery pick, should be a safe bet to contribute on an NBA roster right away.
