In need of depth at the point guard position, the Orlando Magic officially signed Michael Carter-Williams to a 10-day contract.
It's no secret that Carter-Williams is having a down season, but head coach Steve Clifford believes that the veteran can contribute to Orlando in many ways.
"He's a terrific defender. … He's also a very good team defender. He's one of the few guys (who) can both contain the ball and create turnovers. … He anticipates very well, and he's got a good knack for playing off the ball." -Steve Clifford describing Michael Carter-Williams
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 16, 2019
"Then the other thing is he can push the ball. He can get the ball out in the open court and he can get to the basket or he can make plays for his teammates." -Steve Clifford describing Michael Carter-Williams, whom the Magic signed to a 10-day contract on Friday
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 16, 2019
Steve Clifford has nothing but praise for Carter-Williams, describing him as a dynamic player on both sides of the ball. While his numbers might not support Clifford's claims, it's clear that the Magic coach thinks very highly of their new point guard.
Michael Carter-Williams, 27, began the season as a bench player for the Houston Rockets. During his 16 games with the team, he averaged just 9.1 minutes while posting 4.3 points, 0.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 41 percent shooting.
The Rockets later traded Carter-Williams to the Chicago Bulls, who elected to waive him before he appeared in a single game.
Over his six-year career so far, Carter-Williams has averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 40.2 percent from the field. He won the Rookie of the Year award for his impressive 2013-14 season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran has experience with Clifford as well, as the two worked together with the Charlotte Hornets last season.
Carter-Williams will add bench depth behind D.J. Augustin and Jerian Grant. Fellow point guards Isaiah Briscoe (knee) and Markelle Fultz (shoulder) are both battling significant injuries, forcing the Magic to make an addition.
Orlando is currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They hold the ninth seed, only a game behind the Miami Heat.
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