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2018 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Wendell Carter Jr. has a high floor, and a ton of room to argue

By Ryan Doyle

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Wendell Carter Jr #34 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles against TK Edogi #13 of the Iona Gaels in the first half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at PPG Paints Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Wendell Carter Jr #34 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles against TK Edogi #13 of the Iona Gaels in the first half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at PPG Paints Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – FEBRUARY 21: Grayson Allen #3 talks with Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Louisville Cardinals at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 21, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – FEBRUARY 21: Grayson Allen #3 talks with Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Louisville Cardinals at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 21, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Final word

Wendell Carter Jr. is one of the better fits for the Orlando Magic. He fills a lot of holes and could help the team improve on some of their biggest flaws.

But he does not have the ability to turn the franchise around in short order.

Carter would be another piece toward building a viable roster. He will not be a primary option and he will not be the marketable star the national media loves.

Carter will not propel Orlando to a playoff appearance immediately. Fans around the country are not going to tune in to see him play fundamentally sound basketball.

On the other hand, he fits the mold Orlando’s front office loves. Under-the-radar prospects that can defend and have an unselfish attitude. It would not be a surprise if Carter is high on the Magic’s board.

Carter is the definition of a “safe pick.” Most pundits agree he will have a successful NBA career. With the Magic so desperate for competent players, he will get a serious look with the sixth pick.

It will likely come down to Orlando’s willingness to take a risk on Draft night. Is the front office looking for a home run on Draft night? Or will they try and manufacture success with a handful of solid players.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Preview: Who is Khyri Thomas

If the Magic are willing to take baby steps, Carter is the guy. He has the potential to fill a role for a decade checks a ton of boxes which the Orlando front office treasures.