Orlando Magic Energy Has 'Shifted', Says Wendell Carter Jr.

Will higher expectations lead to better results for the Orlando Magic this season?

There's a different feeling surrounding the Orlando Magic heading into this season. 

With the Magic coming off of a strong finish to the 2022-23 season and possessing one of the best young duos in the NBA with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they should have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. 

Wendell Carter Jr. has been there from the Magic's struggles in 2020-2021 to where they're now one of the young ascending teams in the league. With the ups and downs of his tenure with the Magic, he noted at their media day on Tuesday how things have changed heading into this season. 

"The energy's definitely shifted for sure going into this year," Carter said. "We're holding everybody accountable, whether that's arguments, whether it's congratulating one another, whatever the case may be, but we're holding each other accountable for everything from the start of the season to the end because we want to make it to the playoffs."

Wendell Carter Jr. (34) taking a jump shot against the Detroit Pistons.  / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

While Wagner, Banchero and Markelle Fultz grab most of the headlines, Carter has been a steady presence in his two-plus seasons in Orlando. The sixth-year center averaged a career-high 15.2 points while also leading Orlando with 8.7 rebounds per game. He also averaged 2.3 assists per game. 

Carter played in 57 games last season, the second-most of his career. 

If the Magic are going to find success this season, Carter will have a pivotal role on the court and with his leadership. With the inevitable ups and downs that every team experiences throughout the season, Carter could be a steadying and reliable presence that helps limit the Magic's struggles. 

Carter and other players' growth both on and off of the court would be a perfect example of how the energy has changed for a young team that has the potential to shake up the Eastern Conference. If they can improve and continue to hold each other accountable, that could be what takes Orlando from a young ascending team to a playoff-caliber squad that takes the next step.

"I'm excited to see what happens for us," Carter said. "Since I've been here, that hasn't been a thing yet...I think this is primetime. I think this is going to be the best you've seen Orlando since I've been here."