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NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options

By Hans Themistode

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Wendell Carter Jr.
Wendell Carter Jr. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options: 28. Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic

Did anyone expect the Orlando Magic to have the sort of season they’re currently having? Well, bearing in mind that they are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference barrel, plenty actually did. But, in terms of how the pecking order of their scoring is currently going, that has come as a bit of a shock.

Wendell Carter Jr. was a bust with the Chicago Bulls. He flashed a few solid seasons but overall, they were expecting much more from the former number seven overall pick. With Orlando, he’s expanding his game and looks far more aggressive. At the moment, he’s averaging 13.3 points per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 40% from behind the 3-point line.

His development is coming along nicely but we can’t put him in the top half of the best third options in the league. Though he’s been clearly improving, Carter Jr. gets his baskets in the most mundane of ways. Putbacks, clean-ups around the basket, and easy buckets in transition is how he gets his points.

Carter Jr. does have a reliable 3-point shot and a decent low post-game. But until he improves immensely, he shouldn’t be considered one of the best third options in the league.