michael carter-williams – NBA Blog

Magic exercise option on Goga Bitadze for 2023-24 season

The Orlando Magic have exercised their team option on center Goga Bitadze for the 2023-24 season, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

In addition, Orlando has declined its team options on Michael Carter-Williams and Admiral Schofield.

Bitadze (6’11”, 230, 7/20/99) played in 38 combined games (one start) last season (2022-23) with both Indiana and Orlando, averaging 4.4 ppg., 3.6 rpg. and 1.0 apg. in 12.0 minpg., while shooting .552 (69-125) from the floor. He appeared in 21 games with the Pacers, averaging 3.3 ppg. and 2.3 rpg. in 9.6 minpg. Bitadze was waived by Indiana on Feb. 9, then signed as a free agent by Orlando on Feb. 13. He played in 17 games (one start) with the Magic, averaging 5.8 ppg., 5.2 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 15.0 minpg. Bitadze scored in double figures six times (five times with Orlando), including a season-high 14 points on Oct. 22 @ Detroit and had 10+ rebounds twice, including a career-high 15 rebounds on Oct. 22 @ Detroit and on Apr. 7 @ Brooklyn.

Originally selected in the first round (18th overall) of the 2019 NBA Draft by Indiana, Bitadze has played in 187 career NBA regular season games (22 starts) with Indiana and Orlando, averaging 4.9 ppg. and 3.0 rpg. in 11.9 minpg.

A native of Georgia, Bitadze has been playing against professional competition since he was 16 years old. Prior to being drafted by Indiana in 2019, he spent his international career playing in Georgia, Serbia and Montenegro. Bitadze has been a member of the Georgian National Team.

Bitadze wears #35 with the Orlando Magic.

Orlando Magic sign Michael Carter-Williams

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Michael Carter-Williams, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Originally selected in the first round (11th overall) of the 2013 NBA Draft by Philadelphia, Carter-Williams (6’6”, 205, 10/10/91) has appeared in 391 career NBA regular season games (217 starts) with Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago, Charlotte, Houston and Orlando, averaging 10.3 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 4.4 apg. and 1.27 stlpg. in 25.3 minpg. He has also played in 16 career playoff games (six starts), averaging 7.5 ppg., 3.2 rpg. and 2.9 apg. in 21.0 minpg.

Carter-Williams was signed as a free agent by Orlando to a 10-day contract on March 15, 2019. He played in 88 games (25 starts) with the Magic from 2019-22, averaging 7.5 ppg., 3.9 rpg. and 3.3 apg. in 21.1 minpg. Carter-Williams was waived by Orlando on February 10, 2022.

Carter-Williams was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013-14 and selected to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Carter-Williams will wear #11 with the Orlando Magic.

Magic guard Michael Carter-Williams undergoes ankle surgery

Orlando Magic guard Michael Carter-Williams underwent surgery yesterday (August 23) to remove a bone fragment and to repair a ligament in his left ankle.

He will miss the start of the 2021-22 regular season and his return to basketball activities will depend on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. Carter-Williams is expected to make a full recovery.

Carter-Williams (6’6”, 195, 10/10/91) played in 31 games (25 starts) last season with Orlando, averaging 8.8 ppg., 4.5 rpg. and 4.2 apg. in 25.8 minpg. He has appeared in 391 career NBA regular season games (217 starts) with Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago, Charlotte, Houston and Orlando, averaging 10.3 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 4.4 apg. and 1.27 stlpg. in 25.3 minpg. Carter-Williams has also played in 16 career playoff games (six starts), averaging 7.5 ppg., 3.2 rpg. and 2.9 apg. in 21.0 minpg. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013-14 and selected to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First team.

Carter-Williams was originally signed as a free agent by the Magic to a 10-day contract on March 15, 2019. He has played in 88 games (25 starts) with Orlando, averaging 7.5 ppg., 3.9 rpg. and 3.3 apg. in 21.1 minpg.

Orlando Magic re-sign Michael Carter-Williams

The Orlando Magic have re-signed free agent guard Michael Carter-Williams, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Carter-Williams (6’6”, 190, 10/10/91) played in 45 games last season with Orlando, averaging 7.2 ppg., 3.3 rpg., 2.4 apg. and 1.09 stlpg. in 18.5 minpg. He led (or tied) the team in scoring once, in rebounding once and in assists four times. Carter-Williams scored in double figures 14 times and 20+ points once, including a season-high 20 points on Mar. 10 @ Memphis. He missed the 2020 NBA Playoffs due to a strained tendon in his left foot.

Originally selected in the first round (11th overall) of the 2013 NBA Draft by Philadelphia, Carter-Williams has appeared in 360 career NBA regular season games (192 starts) with Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago, Charlotte, Houston and Orlando, averaging 10.4 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 4.4 apg. and 1.31 stlpg. in 25.3 minpg. He has also played in 16 career playoff games, averaging 7.5 ppg., 3.2 rpg. and 2.9 apg. in 21.0 minpg. Carter-Williams was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013-14, after averaging 16.7 ppg., 6.3 apg., 6.2 rpg. and 1.86 stlpg. in 34.5 minpg. during 70 games with Philadelphia.

Magic and Michael Carter-Williams reportedly agree to a contract

The Magic and Michael Carter-Williams will reportedly extend their time together. Via the Orlando Sentinel:

The Magic reportedly have reached an agreement with free agent guard Michael Carter-Williams, who spent last season as a key rotational piece in Orlando…

Carter-Williams averaged 7.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 18.5 minutes per game last season and delivered the same energy and effort he’s come to be known for. With Augustin holding the back-up point guard role behind Markelle Fultz, Carter-Williams played the off-guard position for much of the season. While he struggled with consistency from the perimeter, Carter-Williams was adept at scoring at the rim.

Defensively, the Magic deployed the 6-foot-6 Carter-Williams at times against opponent’s small forwards and wing players, adding to his value.

Michael Carter-Williams has nice opportunity with Rockets

Many of you have forgotten about Michael Carter-Williams. Or you’ve written him off. But he’s in an interesting situation now, as a backup in Houston to some of the league’s best guards. It’s tough to predict how many minutes he’ll get this regular season but he certainly has an opportunity to earn a pretty big supporting cast role, off the bench.

Of course, watching him as a rookie it was presumed he’d be a starter in the league. Maybe he will be again. But for now, the Rockets are a nice opportunity. Here’s the Houston Chronicle with more on him:

Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said Carter-Williams has looked ready to be a fill-in at the point if Harden or Paul are out, but that the play is still to have Paul work as the backup point.

“We keep either James or Chris on the floor all the time,” D’Antoni said. “We’ll still stagger James and Chris so MCW will be off the ball more than he does in scrimmages. That’s just the way our team is made up. But if we needed him if someone got injured or was out of the game, he would be the backup point. He can play off the ball, too. He’s in a good spot. James and Chris like to play together (in practices) because they’re still learning what they can do.”

The Rockets have another serious guard to bring off their bench: Brandon Knight. Though he still needs to get healthy, and that has been a lengthy concern. So for now, MCW has a very clear window of opportunity.

Rockets sign Michael Carter-Williams

Michael Carter-Williams’ NBA career got off to a great start, but now he’s at a turning point and really needs to prove himself for the future. He’ll get a shot at this next season, but as a backup to aging star point guard Chris Paul, in Houston.

The Rockets yesterday signed Carter-Williams. According to ESPN.com, the deal is merely “a one-year, $1.75 million minimum contract.”

Carter-Williams (6-6, 190) was originally the 11th overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2013 NBA Draft. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2013-14, becoming the first double-digit draft pick to do so since Mark Jackson in 1987-88.

In 287 career games with 191 starts, Carter-Williams has averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.40 steals. Since entering the league in 2013-14, he is one of 10 players with at least 90 games played, including James Harden and Chris Paul, to have averaged at least 11.0 ppg, 4.0 apg, 4.0 rpg, and 1.40 spg.

The 26-year-old spent last season with Charlotte, appearing in 52 games with two starts. He played at least 18 minutes 13 times, averaging 8.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, and 1.46 spg in those games.

Bucks trade Michael Carter-Williams to Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have acquired guard Michael Carter-Williams from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for guard Tony Snell.

“We’re excited to add Michael to our roster,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. “He is a two-way player who adds versatility and depth to our backcourt rotation.”

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “the Bucks continue to try to shore up the shooting guard position after the loss of Khris Middleton, who had surgery for a torn hamstring and is out at least six months. The Bulls wanted a reliable backup for Rajon Rondo.”

And according to the Chicago Sun-Times, “Carter-Williams has declined steadily, going from NBA Rookie of the Year with the 76ers to a bench player with the Bucks. So how does he fit with the Bulls? He doesn’t give them the outside shooting they crave. He’s a career 25.5 percent shooter from three-point range. What he gives coach Fred Hoiberg is on-the-ball defense off the bench, as well as a point guard who can play with pace.”

Carter-Williams (6-6, 190) was the 11th-overall selection by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2013 NBA Draft. He tipped off his professional career by being named the 2013-14 Kia Rookie of the Year and a unanimous All-Rookie First Team selection. Carter-Williams was traded to Milwaukee in 2014-15, and by averaging at least 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists through his first two NBA seasons, he joined Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Grant Hill, Steve Francis and LeBron James as the only players to post such numbers during their first two years. He currently owns career averages of 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 190 games (170 starts) over three seasons.

The Syracuse product competed in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge and Taco Bell Skills Challenge at 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend. He was selected to the 2015 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge team but did not play due to injury. Carter-Williams was also invited to participate in the 2015 USA Basketball Men’s National Team minicamp in Las Vegas.

In three games to date during the 2016 preseason, Snell, 24, has averaged 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 16.0 minutes. He appeared in 64 games (33 starts) for the Bulls last season and averaged 5.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 20.3 minutes per contest. The 20th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft out of the University of New Mexico, Snell has played in 213 career games (67 starts) for the Bulls, and averaged 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists. In his last two seasons, Snell has shot 37.1 percent (2014-15) and 36.1 percent (2015-16) from the three-point arc.

Michael Carter-Williams health update

Here’s the Philadelphia Inquirer with an update on a key Sixer that remains unavailable:

Injured 76ers point guard Michael Carter-Williams said Monday night that he’s not sure exactly when he’ll return the court.

The rookie missed his third straight game because of soreness and a skin infection on the front of his right knee. Carter-Williams spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at University of Pennsylvania hospital because of the ailment.

Carter-Williams said he would play “when everyone says it will be OK for me to come back.”

The 22-year-old rookie is on antibiotics and is waiting for the soreness to go away before he takes the court. The Sixers hope he’ll make the two-game trip to Minnesota on Wednesday and Toronto on Friday.

Michael Carter-Williams hospitalized with skin infection

Here’s the Philadelphia Inquirer with a health report on Sixers rookie Michael Carter-Williams:

The 76ers are saying that Michael Carter-Williams is fine.

It turns out, however, that his right-knee problems are being caused by an infection. The rookie point guard spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital because of soreness and a skin infection on the front of the knee.

The 6-foot-6, 185-pounder is being treated by infectious-disease specialist Neil Fishman and the team physician, Brian Sennett. He is listed as day-to-day after missing his second consecutive game, Saturday night against the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center.

“More precautionary stuff with our team doctor,” coach Brett Brown said of Carter-Williams’ hospital stay. “It’s a right-knee infection that really is being monitored closely, but nothing to get too overly concerned with.”