Why Orlando Magic Big Man Wendell Carter Jr. Appreciates Teammates

Wendell Carter Jr. has been making improvements to his jump shot, and the Magic leaned on him in their first preseason game, and the big man appreciates the trust.

One of the biggest questions about Wendell Carter Jr. when he was was entering the league was whether he could develop the jump shot necessary to be a consistent offensive threat.

With a great shooting performance in the Orlando Magic's first preseason game, Carter has begun silencing those questions about his game.

He drained four of his five three-point attempts on his way to scoring 18 points in the game. Carter also shot a solid 50 percent from the field in a very efficient shooting night for the big man.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. takes a jump shot over Detroit Pistons center James Wiseman / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Carter has been continuously improving his jump shot ever since he has been in the league, going from shooting 18 percent from three in his rookie season, to shooting a respectable 35 percent from beyond the arc this past season.

But if Carter is able to improve even further and become a great shooting big, it could add yet another dimension to the already intriguing Magic offense. Carter spoke about the trust that his teammates have given him this offseason and in their first preseason game in his post-game conference.

"You put in all the work, and then you go into a game, and sometimes you have off nights, and sometimes you have on nights like I did tonight," said Carter. "I give a lot of credit to my teammates trusting in me to take those shots, and pushing me to continue taking those shots, miss or make."

Carter will have another chance to show his hard work and improved shooting when he and the Magic take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.