Former Charlotte Hornets Michael Carter-Williams, Steve Clifford reunite in Orlando
Michael Carter-Williams, former Charlotte Hornets guard, is signing a 10-day contract to join Steve Clifford and the Orlando Magic.
It’s been a tough few years for former Charlotte Hornets point guard Michael Carter-Williams.
MCW, the 2013-14 Rookie of the Year, had a bad year with the Hornets last season, and couldn’t stick with the Houston Rockets this season. He hasn’t been on an NBA roster for the majority of the season, but that has now changed.
According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, the Magic are signing Carter-Williams to a 10-day contract. He will be reuniting with his former Head Coach in Charlotte, Steve Clifford.
The glaring weakness for the Magic all season long has been the play at point guard. They’ve gotten some solid production from guys like D.J. Augustin and Isaiah Briscoe, but nothing spectacular.
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Now, I’m not saying that signing Carter-Williams will change things and solve all the problems that the Magic have, but I do think that it’s a good signing for a Magic team eyeing a playoff birth.
Carter-Williams is familiar with Clifford’s coaching and should be able to adjust to his new home fairly quickly. He will probably never be a very good shooter, but he does play good defense and can get to the basket with ease.
Having some extra depth at point guard will certainly be ideal for the Magic.
Both Carter-Williams and Clifford didn’t work out in Charlotte, but Cifford has exceeded many expectations with the Magic this season and has had some nice success. Now that MCW is back in the NBA, I wish him nothing but the best with Orlando.
In 16 games played this season, Carter-Williams has averaged just 4.3 points and 1.3 assists. He was traded to Chicago from Houston earlier this season, but was quickly waived. It will be interesting to see how he performs for the Magic.
When MCW was with the Hornets last season, he averaged 4.6 points and 2.2 assists in just over 16 minutes per game.
The Magic do have a full roster, but were granted a hardship exception due to four players being out with injury. They are currently without Mohamed Bamba, Timofey Mozgov, Isaiah Briscoe and Markelle Fultz.
Charlotte Hornets fans will be closely observing Carter-Williams and the Magic, as Orlando is currently ahead of them in the standings. Both teams are fighting hard to sneak into the playoff picture.
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The Hornets will meet up with the Magic on the final game of the regular season. Time will tell if Carter-Williams remains with the Magic by then, but it’s going to be a huge game, regardless of who is playing.
Michael Carter-Williams and Steve Clifford are now enemies for the Charlotte Hornets.