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Cole Anthony Opens Up About Leaving the NBA and Finding His Joy Again in Australia Cole Anthony has admitted that his love for basketball had started to fade during the final stages of his NBA career, but his move to Australia appears to have given the talented guard a fresh perspective on the game. The 26-year-old joined Melbourne United during the offseason after spending the previous part of his career in the NBA. Anthony played 367 NBA games and represented the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks before beginning a new chapter in the NBL. Anthony revealed that the last couple of years had been difficult from a basketball perspective. The constant challenges of competing at the highest level had made it harder for him to experience the same enjoyment he once had on the court. His arrival in Australia, however, has quickly changed that feeling. Speaking about his early experience in the country, Anthony explained that it had become difficult not to enjoy basketball again after seeing the environment around him. He also praised the quality of the NBL and the lifestyle he has found in Australia. Anthony had opportunities to continue his career in Europe but ultimately chose Melbourne United. His decision also allowed him to reunite with former NBA teammate Joe Ingles, who returned to the NBL after a long NBA career. The move has already produced impressive results on the court. After dealing with a calf problem during preseason, Anthony made his NBL regular-season debut against the Adelaide 36ers. Despite being placed under a minutes restriction, he scored 30 points in just under 22 minutes, shooting 10-for-21 from the field and making three three-pointers. Melbourne ultimately lost the game by two points, but Anthony's individual performance immediately demonstrated why his signing was considered one of the biggest moves of the NBL offseason. Before the regular season began, Anthony had already shown his scoring ability in preseason. He recorded 27 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals in his first appearance for Melbourne United. His NBL opportunity is therefore about more than simply finding another professional team. Anthony appears determined to rediscover the confidence and enjoyment that made him one of the most highly regarded young guards in American basketball. The guard entered the NBA after being selected in the first round of the 2020 Draft and built a solid career in Orlando. His best season with the Magic produced averages of 16.3 points, 5.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. Now in Melbourne, Anthony has the chance to play a major role rather than simply fight for minutes in an NBA rotation. With his scoring ability, athleticism and experience, expectations are already high. NBL legend Derek Rucker has backed Anthony to become one of the league's biggest stars, while describing him as a player capable of making a major impact in Australia. For Anthony, though, the biggest victory may be rediscovering the happiness that comes from playing basketball. After years of trying to establish himself in the NBA, Australia has given him a fresh environment, a significant role and another opportunity to enjoy the game he has spent his life playing.