Orlando Magic: 4 key players off to a hot start this season

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 29: Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic holds Jalen Suggs #4 during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 29, 2021 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic drives against Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Key players off to a hot start for the Orlando Magic this season: 2. Wendell Carter Jr.

With Mo Bamba in the midst of a breakout, Wendell Carter Jr. is playing power forward as his primary position for the first time. So far, things seem to be working out well for the young big man.

In his first full season in Orlando, Carter is averaging 13.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, both signifying the best averages of his young career. He’s also slowly showing a better ability to pass, averaging 2.4 assists per contest.

Importantly, this is the first year Carter has shown an ability to step back and stroke it from three. His 3.8 attempts from three per game are easily a career-high, while his 6.7 attempts from two are a career-low. He’s hitting those threes at a 40 percent rate, too.

Carter is also dominating the offensive boards. He has 29 offensive rebounds so far this season, ranking 16th in the NBA. His offensive rebound percentage is 9.3 percent, which also ranks in the top 20. Even is defensive rebounding percentage and total rebound percentage rank top-20 in the NBA.

The Magic look brilliant for signing the 22-year-old to a four-year, $50 million extension despite him having never played a full season for the franchise. The early returns this season show the front office made a shrewd move in locking up the big man.

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