Stepping it up: Anthony Black has improved and is among several Fantasy Basketball players on the rise
Anthony Black is quickly shifting from deep-league stash to legitimate Fantasy Basketball riser, and managers who acted early are starting to feel vindicated. The Orlando Magic guard, once viewed as more of a long-term project, is now flashing the all-around skill set that made him intriguing on draft night, and it’s beginning to translate into usable production across multiple formats.
What stands out most for fantasy purposes isn’t a single elite category, but how many boxes Black can check at once. He has the size to guard multiple positions, the handle to initiate offense, and the instincts to fill gaps as a secondary playmaker. That combination tends to age well in fantasy, particularly in points and category leagues where minutes, usage, and versatility fuel value.
In Orlando’s rotation, Black has benefited from a clearer runway and increased trust from the coaching staff. More touches on the ball have allowed him to showcase improved decision-making and a more confident approach as a driver. Even modest gains in efficiency or usage can be meaningful when paired with his potential to contribute in assists, rebounds, and defensive stats.
From a league-wide fantasy perspective, Black is part of a broader wave of emerging guards and wings who are reshaping mid-season waiver wires. Managers are increasingly prioritizing players who can offer across-the-board contributions instead of single-category specialists. In that sense, Black fits the mold of the modern fantasy glue guy: someone who might not dominate headlines but quietly stabilizes weekly matchups.
The key for managers now is timing. In competitive leagues, waiting for “proof” often means missing the breakout. Black’s upward trajectory, combined with Orlando’s commitment to developing its young core, makes him a speculative add with real upside. If the minutes and role hold, he has a clear path to climbing into must-roster territory, joining the growing list of Fantasy Basketball players whose arrows are pointing decisively up.
What stands out most for fantasy purposes isn’t a single elite category, but how many boxes Black can check at once. He has the size to guard multiple positions, the handle to initiate offense, and the instincts to fill gaps as a secondary playmaker. That combination tends to age well in fantasy, particularly in points and category leagues where minutes, usage, and versatility fuel value.
In Orlando’s rotation, Black has benefited from a clearer runway and increased trust from the coaching staff. More touches on the ball have allowed him to showcase improved decision-making and a more confident approach as a driver. Even modest gains in efficiency or usage can be meaningful when paired with his potential to contribute in assists, rebounds, and defensive stats.
From a league-wide fantasy perspective, Black is part of a broader wave of emerging guards and wings who are reshaping mid-season waiver wires. Managers are increasingly prioritizing players who can offer across-the-board contributions instead of single-category specialists. In that sense, Black fits the mold of the modern fantasy glue guy: someone who might not dominate headlines but quietly stabilizes weekly matchups.
The key for managers now is timing. In competitive leagues, waiting for “proof” often means missing the breakout. Black’s upward trajectory, combined with Orlando’s commitment to developing its young core, makes him a speculative add with real upside. If the minutes and role hold, he has a clear path to climbing into must-roster territory, joining the growing list of Fantasy Basketball players whose arrows are pointing decisively up.
