The Magic Insider

Magic Paint Defense Struggling Without Wendell Carter Jr.

Wendell Carter Jr.'s absence has been a challenge for the Orlando Magic.

Jeremy Brener

Magic Paint Defense Struggling Without Wendell Carter Jr.
Magic Paint Defense Struggling Without Wendell Carter Jr. /

ORLANDO - It's no coincidence that when Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. was sidelined with a plantar fascia injury, the team went on a nine-game losing streak.

Not only is Carter arguably the best defender on the team, but one of the top paint protectors in the league.

When Carter is on the floor, Magic opponents shoot just 53.3 percent on shots inside the paint. When he's off the floor, they shoot 63.4 percent. That difference of 10.1 percent is second in the NBA behind Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Magic also sees a massive benefit from Franz Wagner when it comes to paint defense. Opponents shoot 57 percent inside the paint when he's on the floor vs. 65 percent when he's off. That eight percent margin ranks fifth in the NBA.

The Magic has prided itself on building the team in its frontcourt and an identity on the defensive side of the ball. With so many injuries, that's proven to be a challenge this season.

But with Carter on his way back to the team very soon, the Magic might be able to  get back to better basketball on the defensive end.

The Magic returns to action Wednesday at home against the Atlanta Hawks.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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