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Melbourne United signs NBA first-round pick Cole Anthony.

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Melbourne United signed NBA first-round pick Cole Anthony to a one-year deal for 2026-27.
The buyout keeps him on the NBA payroll through 2027-28 at about US$3.7 million.
He averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, peaking in 2021-22 with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
Coach Jacob Chance said Anthony checks every box as a guard who will lead the offense, with the season set to start Sep 19 2026.

History

Historical Context

In 2018 former NBA No. 1 pick Andrew Bogut returned to Australia, signing a roughly US$1 million two-year deal with the Sydney Kings, announced by NBL chief executive Larry Kestelman. His move followed the league’s 2014 marquee-player rule that enabled high-profile imports and set a precedent for Melbourne United’s 2026 signing of former first-round guard Cole Anthony.

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Story summary

Melbourne United signed NBA first-round pick Cole Anthony to a one-year deal for 2026-27.
The buyout keeps him on the NBA payroll through 2027-28 at about US$3.7 million.
He averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, peaking in 2021-22 with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
Coach Jacob Chance said Anthony checks every box as a guard who will lead the offense, with the season set to start Sep 19 2026.

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