For Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford, Michael Carter-Williams has been their best defender ever since the swingman joined the team.
Per Magic reporter John Denton, Clifford called Carter-Williams an ‘elite-level defender,' noting that he can guard the opposing team's best players. He has that uncanny ability to snatch the ball out of the handler's hands.
“He’s been our best defender. He’s been disruptive, he contains the ball & he’s an elite-level defender. He can guard primary players and he’s one of the few guys that I’ve ever seen that can both guard the ball without getting beat and steal it. And at this level, that’s very rare. He’s got size and he can guard different people, so I want to find ways to use him.”
More Clifford on Carter-Williams: "…and he’s one of the few guys that I’ve ever seen that can both guard the ball without getting beat and steal it. And at this level, that’s very rare. He’s got size and he can guard different people, so I want to find ways to use him."
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) October 9, 2019
These are definitely welcome comments from Clifford. The Magic is Carter-Williams' sixth team in his six-year NBA career. Last season, Carter-Williams joined the Magic in February via a 10-day contract. He played a total of 12 games for the Magic and averaged 5.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 minutes across 18.9 minutes. He re-signed with then over the summer which is a good sign of things to come.
Has Carter-Williams — a former Rookie of the Year — finally found a home? Will his defense be his main asset and contribution to the up and coming Magic squad?
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