Part 7/8:
Wendell Carter Jr.’s arrival in Orlando heralded hopes for a future star at center, particularly following the Nikola Vucevic trade. Expected to flourish within a young, developing team, Carter Jr. found himself losing prominence as the Magic pivoted towards playing a more perimeter-oriented style that rendered his skills increasingly irrelevant.
Despite once being viewed as the glue of the Magic, Carter's role diminished, and he now finds himself outpaced by his backup. The disparity in performance and impact has led to serious concerns regarding the legitimacy of his hefty contract. Once perceived as a bargain, it now appears a sizable liability for the organization.