Wendell Carter Jr. stands firm: “Angel Reese and I would beat Bam and A’ja Wilson!”
Wendell Carter Jr. is currently enjoying his most productive season yet, boasting an impressive effective field goal percentage of 60.9. Along with his scoring efficiency, Carter has also made significant contributions on the defensive end. On Monday morning, he appeared on FanDuel’s Run It Back show, where he shared insights about the team and candidly addressed questions following the Magic’s recent defeat against the Houston Rockets.
A Bold Claim and Competitive Spirit
During the show, Carter reiterated a bold statement he made earlier this season, asserting that he and his girlfriend, WNBA standout Angel Reese, would triumph over Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson in a hypothetical matchup. Despite his confidence, Adebayo and Wilson have yet to respond to this playful challenge.
Defensive Prowess on Display
When discussing his defensive capabilities, Carter was asked about his experience covering Rockets center Alperen Şengün and how it compares to defending reigning MVP Nikola Jokić. Carter remarked, “I wouldn’t say it’s a tough cover for me. I feel like Jokić is on a different level…” His performance against Şengün supports this confidence; he limited the young center to a mere 22.2 percent shooting, according to NBA tracking data. Film analysis confirms his impact, as he effectively forced Şengün into difficult jump shots and contested hooks, resulting in seven consecutive misses during the game.
Carter also spent a significant amount of time defending the versatile Kevin Durant, holding him to just five successful shots on nine attempts. His ability to guard these elite players demonstrates his growing reputation as a reliable defender in the league.
Support for Teammates
The conversation naturally shifted to Desmond Bane, who has struggled with his shooting at the start of the season. Carter came to his defense, emphasizing that the team does not expect perfection. Bane’s effective field goal percentage has dipped by 7.5 points, but Carter believes he is still working to regain his rhythm.
Magic’s Defensive Identity
Carter noted that the Magic are in the process of reestablishing their defensive identity after 14 games. They have climbed to the eighth-ranked defense over the last five contests, despite facing challenges, including a loss to the Celtics and their recent game against the Rockets without two key starters: Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs.
He praised Banchero for his defensive efforts and highlighted the young star’s ongoing development. “At that size, to be able to do what he does with the ball… he’s a guy you want on your team, and he just plays the game the right way,” Carter remarked.
Carter pointed out that Banchero’s relatively low profile can be attributed to Orlando’s middle-of-the-pack media market, but he acknowledged the difficulties of maintaining visibility when a player misses significant time, as Banchero did last season.
Cultural Adaptation and Focus
While Carter has not yet picked up on the German language, spoken frequently by teammates Franz and Mo Wagner, he remains focused on his primary goal: guarding the best players in the league. His commitment to preparation has not wavered, even as he faced foul trouble in Sunday’s loss.
As the Orlando Magic continue to navigate this season, Carter’s blend of confidence, support for his teammates, and defensive acumen will be crucial in their pursuit of success.
