Magic's Wendell Carter Jr. Doing 'Heck of a Job', Says Jamahl Mosley

Wendell Carter Jr. is adapting to a new role as the Orlando Magic big man returns from injury.

ORLANDO - Could Wendell Carter Jr. thrive in a new role? 

Carter Jr. returned from a knee injury and came off the bench for the first time this season in the Orlando Magic' 112-107 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at the Footprint Center. 

The Magic center scored a season-high 17 points and had five rebounds and two assists. With his performance against the Suns, Orlando head coach Jamahl Mosley was more than pleased with Carter Jr.'s play as he continues to find his footing after missing much of the season with injuries. 

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"I thought he did a heck of a job stepping back in," Mosley said of Carter Jr. "Just to have him back out there, and as we continue to find different rhythms for our group, it's great to have him on the floor."

Carter Jr. returned to that role against the Golden State Warriors last night, scoring six points in 20 minutes of action.

A broken hand kept Carter Jr. out for 20 games, and Orlando went 13-7 in that stretch before he returned on Dec. 20 in a 115-106 loss to the Miami Heat. Carter Jr. also missed the Magic's 117-108 win over the New York Knicks on Friday with a knee injury. 

Given the team's success without Carter Jr., it'll be interesting to see where he fits in as he eases back. If Carter Jr. continues to thrive off the bench, that could be the best place for him and the team if they want to continue their strong start to the season. 

Curry Too Much as Warriors Down Magic

Orlando will look to get back in the win column tonight against the Sacramento Kings. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET inside the Golden1 Center.