Magic Postseason Profile: Michael Carter-Williams 'Thankful To Be Back'

Orlando Magic guard and former Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams, signed a two-year deal with the team in February.

Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO - Anytime a team has a Rookie of the Year winner on roster, it adds a sense of excitement to what their building. 

And as of Tuesday, the Orlando Magic can officially say it has two players that fall under that criteria. 

With this season's winner Paolo Banchero walking away with 98 of 100 possible votes, he joins guard Michael Carter-Williams as Orlando two recipients. 

Carter-Williams, who coincidentally beat out former Orlando guard Victor Oladipo in 2014, won the trophy as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after leading all rookies in scoring, rebounds and assists that season. 

However, the former No. 11 pick has struggled the find consistency since his electrifying rookie campaign - in part to playing on four different teams since 2015. 

After signing with the Magic in March of 2019, he spent the next two and a half seasons in Orlando while posting 7.5 points and 3.3 over 88 games. 

Following an ankle surgery that ruled him out for the entirety of the 2021-2022 season, Orlando waived the guard. Until this past February where Orlando brought him back on a two-year deal. 

"It felt great," Carter-Williams said. "Just being back with the guys, being back with the organization, that was a blessing itself. For the last couple games, to be able to go out there and show what I can do out there, just play and have fun, put all my hard work that I've done to get back on the floor to see it pay off a little bit was gratifying."

"You learn a lot through tough times. I've learned a lot about myself, to appreciate the game a lot more, not take any days for granted. I try to come in here and get as much as I can out of the day, and just be grateful and thankful."

Williams suited up in four games for Orlando this past season, averaging 4.3 points, 1.8 assists and 1.3 rebounds in limited action. 

At 31 years old, the veteran guard's presence will bring experience to this young locker room that narrowly missed the Play-In this season. 

"I've been fortunate to play almost every role on a team," Carter-Williams said. "I'm a reletable voice to a lot of the guys here and I try to speak that to pretty much all of them." 

If Orlando opts to keep its current roster intact, Carter-Williams will join guards Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs in the backcourt rotation next season.

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You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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