Wendell Carter Jr. was forced to take a backseat in his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils. He has quickly managed to become a polarizing prospect among Orlando Magic fans.
It is not a secret.
Wendell Carter Jr. has been one of the most discussed prospects among the Orlando Magic fan base. While some question his ceiling as a potential star, others look to his floor. Carter is a NBA-ready player who can contribute to the team immediately.
Carter had a strong season with the Duke Blue Devils. He averaged just shy of a double-double with 13.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. That helped lead the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.
Carter does not have the flash of fellow prospects projected to go in the Lottery. Trae Young dazzles fans with his gaudy numbers and “Stephen Curry-like” 3-point shot. DeAndre Ayton is one of the most physically imposing prospects since Dwight Howard.
Carter does not have that alluring narrative. He quietly went about his business with Duke and still has found himself in the conversation as a top-five pick. Still, many will not get on board with Carter because of how workmanlike his approach is.
Carter does not have a skill or physical attribute he can rely on. He does not have tremendous length or a knockdown jump shot. Nothing that is overtly apparent.
He is just a good overall basketball prospect.
Think of Al Horford or Mike Conley. Both of these guys are not flashy, but they have been a key part of winning teams for a decade. No one should complain about having that kind of consistent production on any team.
For some Orlando supporters, it seems like a player with that ceiling would be a terrific addition. While others don’t see the star power and franchise-altering talent.
Either way, Carter is one the top prospects in the NBA Draft and may be a long-term answer for Orlando at the center position. With the league going small, he could join the Magic and create a modern day front court.
The Good
Wendell Carter Jr. fits the mold of a modern NBA center. He can defend at a high level, he can rebound and he can spread the floor on offense with a reliable outside shot.
Those traits sound like a perfect fit for the Orlando Magic. Although Nikola Vucevic has been a consistent performer for Orlando, Carter appears to be a better fit for this roster.
An athletic, defensive-minded lineup with Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. would jumpstart a struggling Magic team at least on one end. One of the best things about Carter will be his ability to perform next to Orlando young core.
Offensively, Carter does not flash. He has a strong 260-pound frame that will allow him to bang with NBA centers. His basketball IQ and footwork saw him excel in the post in college. If he can add a few more moves, he projects to be a reliable low-post player.
The key for Carter will be his 3-point shooting. He shot just better than 40 percent from behind the arc last season. With Orlando desperate for floor spacing, Carter will not hinder the offense with an unreliable jumper.
Again, his offensive game is well-rounded and he can score from all over the floor. He plays smart and within himself. Even at a high-profile school like Duke, he was willing to make his teammates better.
One of the best traits for Carter is on the glass. He is tenacious and makes his presence felt on both the offensive and defensive side. His massive frame and 7-foot-3 wingspan allows him to grab boards with ease.
The Magic were a terrible rebounding team last year. It is starting to become a trend, Carter will help improve a ton of issues Orlando has been facing of late. He may not stand out or become an All-Star in any area, but he will just fill those gaps every team needs.
A key for the Magic, especially new coach Steve Clifford, is defense. Carter fits the bill. He may not be fleet of foot, but he rotates well. Carter averaged 2.1 blocks per game, displaying good timing and court sense to contest and change shots. He can protect the rim and knows where he needs to be at all times.
There is a lot to like about Carter. He is well-rounded and should produce on both ends of the floor. A smart player that would fit seamlessly into Orlando’s rotations.
The Bad
If Wendell Carter Jr. lands with the Orlando Magic, he will be at the five. He is only 6-foot-10 and, although he has a nice frame, the height will affect him on both ends.
On offense, he will not be playing above the rim. He will not be throwing down thunderous dunks like Aaron Gordon, or other bigs with bounce. Fans likely will not see him challenge the 7-footers.
Carter will not be a flashy player in the pick-and-roll, but he can use his intelligence to find holes in the defense. In general, Carter is not going to do anything extremely flashy. He is going to put in yeoman’s work and that is all.
Maybe at six, the Magic are looking for something a bit more. Especially considering how far in the hole the team seems to be. Carter may never be an All-Star, despite how solid he is in a lot of areas.
Defensively, he will have to be in good position to contest bigger centers. Whether it be on the perimeter or near the basket, Carter needs to use his body and positioning to alter shots.
Athleticism is also a question mark for Carter. He does not appear to be as athletic as some of his future NBA counterparts. Carter will struggle with guards like John Wall in the pick-and-roll or struggle challenging the super athletes at the rim whether they be big or small. He does not have the lateral quickness to keep up. That lack of speed will limit him.
Like most Draft prospects, Carter is prone to mistakes. He is so young and at times gets overwhelmed with pressure. Whether it is double-teams or high-pressure situations, the Orlando coaching staff will have to remind him to play within himself.
In terms of his jumper, the NBA is a different playground. Defenders are quicker and will contest his shot easier than in the NCAA. He needs to speed up his motion and possibly tweak his mechanics to adjust to NBA defenses.
But one of the biggest knocks on Carter is his ceiling. It is widely believed he will never be the number one option on a winning team.
He does not project to be a top-tier rim protector or an offensive mismatch at the 5. He looks more along the lines of a solid starter for a decade or more.
While it may not be an awful look, but his lack of elite tools are the reason he is not a lock to land with Orlando at six.
Draft Sites Say
Jonathan Givony, ESPN
"He is a polished player with excellent hands and touch around the basket, and he has demonstrated a nice blend of passing, shot-blocking and perimeter shooting, despite being overshadowed at times by fellow Duke big man Marvin Bagley III."
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer
"Has the soft hands to catch tough passes and the court awareness to quickly finish on dump-offs or in the pick-and-roll. Not an elite athlete, but can finish lobs when he has space. Elevates quickly on layups and putbacks. Good shooter from 3 off the catch, with smooth mechanics that should translate to the NBA line. . . . Suffered an undisclosed foot injury in January at Duke that caused him to miss practice time. Not an above-the-rim player, so his lack of elite athleticism puts a cap on his upside. Has a hitch in his jumper that makes him ineffective off the dribble."
JZ Mazlish, The Stepien
"Carter’s strong year at Duke solidified his status as one of the more well-rounded big man prospects in recent memory. He lacks prototypical size or elite athleticism but makes up for it with a heady two-way game and budding skill set. Given his strength he should be able to play the center position in the NBA, and profiles as a potentially plus two-way player in that role. Look for him to be drafted somewhere in the second half of the lottery."
Evan Tomes, NBADraft.net
"6’10 mobile big man … Very good length with a 7’3 wingspan and 9’0 standing reach … Good half court explosive ability, gets good lift when dunking and rebounding. Gets off the ground quickly. . . . While he can explode up, he’s not much of a transition finisher. Has a solid vertical but is not much of a run and jump athlete. Sometimes the last player up the court … Isn’t very quick when reacting on defense and closing out to contest shooters … Post-game while sound, is still in early stages of development"
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.
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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.