Wendell Carter Jr. Talks Jokic’s Brilliance, Team Chemistry, and Stepping Up Without Key Pieces
When you’re tasked with guarding Nikola Jokić, you’re not just dealing with a center-you’re dealing with a basketball savant. That’s the word from Wendell Carter Jr., who didn’t mince words when asked where Jokić ranks among the toughest big men to defend.
“I think he’s the best of the best,” Carter said.
And he’s not wrong. Jokić isn’t just a scorer or a passer-he’s both, and then some.
Carter broke it down like someone who’s been in the trenches against the two-time MVP. You can study his tendencies, know the Nuggets’ system, and still find yourself a step behind.
Why? Because Jokić has an answer for everything-a counter for every move, a pass for every double-team, and the kind of physical presence that makes recovering on defense a nightmare.
“He’s a big body too… when he makes a good move and you’re trying to make up for it, it’s kind of tough.”
That blend of size, touch, and vision is what separates Jokić from the rest. Carter’s respect is earned from experience, and it shows.
Building Chemistry Midseason
With the season just past the quarter mark, Carter and the Magic are still very much in the process of figuring each other out. The last couple of days at home provided a much-needed chance to recalibrate, especially with several rotation players sidelined.
“Just some more camaraderie,” Carter said. “We’re in game 26, so we’re still trying to figure each other out.”
That’s the reality of a young team navigating injuries and learning on the fly. Practice time-especially this deep into the season-is gold.
And for a group still developing its identity, every rep matters. Carter emphasized how valuable it was to get up and down the floor, to build rhythm and trust, even in a limited setting.
“It’s not perfect, but these last two days were something we really needed.”
Life Without Jalen Suggs
One of the biggest voids the Magic are dealing with right now is the absence of Jalen Suggs. His impact goes far beyond the box score. Carter pointed to Suggs’ relentless energy and two-way aggression as something that simply can’t be replicated by one player.
“We got to make up for that somewhere somehow-maybe all five got to step up their aggressiveness.”
Suggs is the kind of guy who sets the tone. He’s the first on the floor, the first in passing lanes, the first to dive for a loose ball.
That kind of edge is contagious, but also hard to replace. Carter knows the Magic don’t need a one-for-one replacement-they need collective buy-in to fill the gap.
“You just got to find ways to win games… find ways to match that or get as close as possible.”
Anthony Black’s Moment
With Suggs out, rookie Anthony Black is getting his moment-and he’s making the most of it. Carter didn’t hold back in his praise for the young guard, who’s been turning heads with his versatility on both ends.
“He’s very unique, can guard most positions… he’s starting to blossom into what we’ve been seeing since his rookie training camp.”
Black has the tools: length, instincts, and a calmness that’s rare for a player his age. But what’s really impressed Carter is the way Black absorbs information. He’s been a sponge around veterans like Suggs and Franz Wagner, and now that the opportunity is here, he’s stepping into it with confidence.
“Super excited for him… he’s definitely nowhere near his peak.”
That’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Rebounding: A Work in Progress
Carter was candid when asked about the team’s rebounding performance this season-it hasn’t been good enough, and he knows it starts with him.
“Starting from my aspect, I just got to do a better job keeping guys off the glass.”
It’s not just about boxing out your man anymore. Teams are sending all five to the glass, and that requires a collective awareness and effort. Carter pointed out that even when he’s doing his job, others are flying in untouched.
“It’s tough, but no excuses-we just got to find ways to get more rebounds however that looks.”
That kind of accountability is what you want from your anchor in the paint.
Moe Wagner’s Return Brings a Spark
One bright spot for the Magic? Moe Wagner is back around the team, and Carter couldn’t be happier to see it.
“It’s amazing… he’s one of those personalities we’ve missed throughout the year.”
Wagner’s energy is infectious. He’s the kind of guy who brings juice to a practice, a game, or even just a shootaround. Carter knows how valuable that is-especially during a long season when the grind can wear teams down.
“He’s a dog-you always want a dog out there with you when you’re battling.”
With Wagner working his way back and the team continuing to gel despite the injuries, there’s a sense of optimism in Orlando. They’re not at full strength, but they’re building something-and Carter is right at the heart of it.