Wendell Carter Jr. - Rim Protector?

[basketballRob]

Just noticed that Wendell was one of the best rim protectors in the league last year. The gap between him and Bam isn't that big. Wendell is 2 years younger and way cheaper. Bam has a way higher FTR but Miami is in the penalty more.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=adebaba01&p1yrfrom=2020&player_id2=cartewe01&p2yrfrom=2022

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[JF5]

"Rim Protector" nowadays isn't really as important as having a big who is very switchable and versatile (which Wendell has shown he can be).

He reminds me so much of Al Horford but with a better offensive skill set. I'm excited to see what he becomes in the next few years.

[Last Guardian]

He's a very good defender. Surprisingly good at moving his feet despite being a heavier player. Easily moved his feet better than Bamba and still weighs 30+ more than him. Was surprised at how well he defended the perimeter, even when switched onto a guard. And the more obvious positive...he can't be posted him as he is just far too strong and has that lower center of gravity compared to other taller C's. His defense overall is just very good.

[jezzerinho]

Wendell this year according to the advanced analytics:

+3.7 WAR and a +1.2 RAPTOR
+2.8 EPM (49th best player in NBA)
+1.1 DRIP (67th best of those who played at least 33% of minutes)

We're talking a really good, versatile "4.5" big who is on a ridiculous contract.

The eye test? Always gets the tough defensive assignment but competes hard, offensive game is good and likely to improve, footwork is plus for his size, work ethic and team mesh seems unreal.

Either he's a big trade chip for a different top-end player of need or we have ourselves a great foundational player. Either way, we shouldn't be quibbling over minor deficiencies. We need to use this great asset one way or another.

[The-Stallion70]

He'll be great next to Paolo!!

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[jonbob17]

This thread kind of reminds me of Bamba's stats the last couple years. Where the opponent's FG% while he was on the floor was low (suggesting Bamba is doing a good defensive job)...BUT opponent's challenged the Magic more at the rim while Bamba was in the game.

Is it bad strategy or are the opponents targeting weakness the stats are not picking up?

[basketballRob]

Wendell was compared to Horford coming out of college.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=cartewe01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=horfoal01&p2yrfrom=2009

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[DiplomaticMagic]

Im a big fan of Dell. Chet or Isaac will be perfect next to him.

Not so much Banchero or Jabari.

[Skin]

Wendell was compared to Horford coming out of college.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=cartewe01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=horfoal01&p2yrfrom=2009

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That's actually a great comparison. I like it.