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2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Michael Carter-Williams

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic played at a quicker pace under Michael Carter-Williams. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic played at a quicker pace under Michael Carter-Williams. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Michael Carter-Williams, Orlando Magic, Danny Green, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 13: Michael Carter-Williams #7 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball as Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors defends during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Final Grade

. PG. Orlando Magic. MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS. A

There were a few snickers when the Orlando Magic signed Michael Carter-Williams toward the end of the season. He had become something of the butt of jokes for how much he has struggled to find his place in the league.

The Magic were desperate and desperate times seemingly called for desperate measures.

But the signing was a runaway success.

Carter-Williams played exceptionally well. His impact was clear and present from the moment he stepped onto the court. He had an energy that lifted everyone up. The rest of the bench just had to keep up and stay on point.

They largely did that. The team had one of the worst benches before the All-Star Break and one of the league’s best benches after the All-Star Break. It got even better once the team added Carter-Williams.

Carter-Williams was the exact backup the team needed. Always pushing the pace and always able to defend at a high level. His energy was infectious throughout the team. It did not matter that he was not much of a shooter. His driving was more than enough to free up others and make a positive impact.

The on-court numbers bear that out when the team had him on the court. It was hard not to get enough of him and Carter-Williams went from laughing stock of sorts to one of the fan favorites on the team.

Carter-Williams went from working out at a local gym to contributing to a playoff team. It likely saved his career and will get him back in the NBA somewhere at some point. Whether that is with the Magic remains a mystery.

Next. 2019 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Wesley Iwundu. dark

But the Magic will forever be grateful for finding Carter-Williams. He was a big boost to the team and a big reason why they eventually made the playoffs.