Magic’s Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr. inching closer to return
Wednesday served as a major step in the right direction for the rehab process of Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. and guard Markelle Fultz.
The duo, who has missed more than a month due to injury, was able to go through portions of practice with the rest of their Orlando teammates inside AdventHealth Training Center, coach Jamahl Mosley said.
“It was great day for them,” Mosley said. “It was a great day for all of our guys. The level of intentionality of what were doing, the focus level and the intensity of the practice was really great.
“It was great seeing ‘Kelle and ‘Dell both out there and able to go with the group in the things that were going through.”
Fultz (left knee tendinitis) hasn’t played since Nov. 9 when the team faced the Hawks in Mexico City while Carter (fractured third metacarpal in left non-shooting hand) has been out since Nov. 4.
Both previously had gone through individual drills while working with assistant coaches and Arnie Kander, the team’s VP of player performance and wellness, with a focus on maintaining their cardio to remain in basketball shape.
Prior to the last two Magic home games, Fultz and Carter were seen getting up a variety of shots during their pre-game routines despite not playing in the pair of Eastern Conference contests against Detroit and Cleveland.
Mosley said Fultz and Carter participated in “a little bit of contact” work while running through 5-on-0 offense Wednesday. They also focused on some execution pieces and the details of the Magic’s defense.
“Just them being out there with the group was what we were looking forward to,” Mosley said. “We’ll just keep evaluating it one step at a time seeing how they keep responding to what they’ve been through.”
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Carter said his left hand is at “85-90%” status but that he has moments where it’s sore. Still, the rehab is trending in a positive direction.
“It’s like right at the last bit of my recovery,” he said after Wednesday’s practice.
It was clear that being able to work alongside the rest of the team Wednesday heightened his spirits.
“Coming back from injury is always the best part of the rehab,” Carter said. “Just being out there, running around, getting up shots, talking crap with some of my teammates is always good.”
He didn’t provide an exact timeline for when he will return to the court but explained it’s just a matter of time to allow his left hand to heal.
“I just kind of look at each day as an opportunity to allow it get better,” Carter said.
The biggest factor moving forward will be his left hand getting back accustomed to the type of work that comes with playing basketball such as the ball hitting it, blocking shots, hanging on the rim and setting screens.
Prior to the injury, Carter averaged 9.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists during 29.4 minutes in five games he started. He recorded at least one blocked shot twice.
Carter is eager to re-join the Magic (16-7) and help add to their early season success.
“I know what kind of player I am and what I can bring to a team,” he said. “Looking from the sideline, knowing where I can implement myself, it’s going to be really special, especially when me and Markelle get back.”
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X, also known as Twitter, at @therealBeede.
