Wendell Andre Carter Jr., born on April 16, 1999, has carved his path as an American professional basketball player, showcasing his talents with the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey from a standout high school career to the professional basketball arena is marked by achievements, accolades, and a commitment to excellence.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Wendell Carter Jr.
Birth Date	April 16, 1999
Birth Place	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Nick Name	Not specified
Religion	Not specified
Nationality	American
Father’s Name	Wendell Carter Sr.
Mother’s Name	Kylia Carter
Siblings	Not specified
Age	24
Height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Weight	270 lb (122 kg)
Jersey No	34
Build	Not specified
Marital Status	Not married
Girlfriend	Olivia Nelson-Ododa
Position	Center / Power Forward
Profession	Professional Basketball Player
Net Worth	$12,000,000
Salary	$13,050,000
Currently Plays For	Orlando Magic
Team	Orlando Magic
Active Since	2018 (NBA debut)
Social Media	Instagram
Merch	NA

Wendell Carter Jr High School Career

Carter’s basketball journey began at Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the class of 2017. During his sophomore season, he demonstrated prowess by scoring 21.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game, leading the Knights to an impressive (27–3) record. His achievements were further highlighted during the summer of 2015 when he guided his AAU team, Georgia Stars, to victory in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Peach Jam championship, earning Co-MVP honors.

In his junior and senior years, Carter continued to elevate his game, earning numerous accolades, such as Georgia Region 6 AA Player of the Year, Atlanta/South Fulton Player of the Year, and first-team All-America honors. During his senior season, he culminated in a Georgia class 3A state championship, averaging 22.7 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 5.8 blocks per game.

Off the court, Carter’s commitment to academics and character earned him the prestigious Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year award, showcasing his well-rounded excellence.

College Career

Choosing to play college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, Carter made an immediate impact in his freshman season during the 2017–2018 campaign. Averaging 13.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, he left an indelible mark on Duke’s basketball history. Carter’s standout performances included double-doubles, robust rebounds, and consistent scoring.

Despite Duke’s exit from the 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Carter’s contributions earned him recognition, landing him on the Second Team All-ACC and ACC All-Freshman teams. Following his first year, Carter declared for the 2018 NBA draft, setting the stage for his professional journey.

Professional Career

Chicago Bulls

Carter was picked as the seventh overall pick by the Bulls in the NBA draft in 2018 and entered the professional arena with high expectations. Throughout his tenure with the Bulls, he showcased his skills, including a remarkable performance against the Denver Nuggets, where he scored a season-high 25 points.

Orlando Magic

In 2021, Carter’s journey took a new turn as he was traded to the Orlando Magic. Signing a four-year, $50 million rookie scale extension in October 2021, he made significant contributions, including a career-high 30 points in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

National Team Career

Carter’s excellence extends to the international stage, where he played with the United States U17 team at the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup, securing a gold medal. His stellar performances earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

Family and Personal Life

Wendell Carter Jr.’s family has played a pivotal role in his life and basketball journey. His father, Wendell Sr., was a professional basketball player in the Dominican Republic, while his mother, Kylia Carter, played college bball at the University of Mississippi. Emphasizing academics from a young age, his parents instilled values that shaped his interest in prestigious institutions like Duke University.

Despite facing scrutiny regarding an FBI investigation regarding impermissible benefits, Carter’s focus on academics and basketball remained steadfast.

Current Status and Achievements

As of the 2022 NBA season, Carter remains a crucial player for the Orlando Magic. Notable achievements include a second 30-point game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his scoring prowess.

Physical Attributes

Wendell Carter Jr. boasts an imposing physical presence on the basketball court, standing tall at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) and weighing in at a robust 270 pounds (122 kilograms). His towering height provides a significant advantage in rebounding, shot-blocking, and defending the rim, making him a formidable force in the paint. 

Carter’s combination of height and weight contributes to his defensive prowess and underscores his versatility and effectiveness as a critical player for the Orlando Magic.

Relationship Status

Wendell Carter Jr., the star player at the Orlando Magic, is not married or engaged, but he’s not navigating the journey solo. In a heartwarming twist, Wendell is in a relationship with the lovely Olivia Nelson-Ododa. Olivia, a beautiful and supportive presence in his life, stands by him through every big decision, proving that the game of love is just as rewarding as the one played on the hardwood. Wendell has found a talented partner on the court and a supportive teammate in matters of the heart.

Salary and Net Worth

Wendell Carter Jr. is set to command a salary of $13,050,000 for the 2023/24 season with the Orlando Magic, a testament to his prowess on the basketball court and his valuable contributions to the team. His skills and dedication have earned him not just recognition but also substantial financial acknowledgment, highlighting his significance in the realm of professional basketball.

Wendell Carter Jr Girlfriend Olivia Nelson-Ododa: Personal Life and Professional Career

Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s journey is not just a narrative of basketball achievements; it’s a testament to resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. As we delve deeper into the chapters of her life, we discover the layers that make her story truly inspiring.

High School Career

Winder-Barrow High School in Winder, Georgia, served as the arena where Nelson-Ododa first showcased her basketball prowess—her sophomore year earned her the prestigious title of Athens Banner-Herald Co-Player of the Year, a recognition bestowed upon her for averaging an impressive 17 points and ten rebounds per game. This early success, however, was met with a challenge in her junior year when a season-ending knee injury threatened to derail her promising career. Undeterred, Nelson-Ododa emerged from adversity stronger, fueling her determination to excel.

Miss Georgia Basketball

In her senior year, Nelson-Ododa rebounded from her injury and soared to new heights. Averaging 19 points, 16 rebounds, and six blocks per game, she secured her place as a dominant force on the court and was honored with the title of Miss Georgia Basketball. This accolade solidified her status as one of the most promising talents in high school basketball.

College Career

Transitioning from high school to college marked a crucial phase in Nelson-Ododa’s journey. Choosing to play for the UConn Huskies, a women’s college basketball powerhouse, showcased her commitment to competing at the highest level. Despite initially coming off the bench as a freshman, she steadily carved her niche, earning accolades and contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Professional Career

The pinnacle of Nelson-Ododa’s basketball career reached new heights when she entered the WNBA. Drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022, her rookie season was a platform for showcasing her multifaceted skills. Her defensive prowess, highlighted by an average of 0.8 blocks per game and an impressive field-goal percentage, underscored her potential as a force to be reckoned with in the league. The subsequent trade to the Connecticut Sun marked a strategic move, aligning her with a team recognizing her talents and contributions.

International Glory

Nelson-Ododa’s journey extends far beyond the borders of the United States. Representing her country on the international stage, she clinched gold medals at various FIBA championships, embodying the spirit of a true ambassador for women’s basketball. Whether it was the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship or the 2019 Pan American Games, she consistently delivered stellar performances, earning the admiration of fans worldwide.

Relationship Status

Away from the basketball courts, Nelson-Ododa’s personal life adds another layer to her story. Being in a relationship with Orlando Magic’s star player, Wendell, their supportive and understanding partnership creates a narrative of shared passion and mutual encouragement. Their public presence as a couple further endears them to fans, showcasing the human side of these sports stars.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s journey from high school stardom to professional success paints a portrait of a determined and talented athlete. Her story resonates with basketball enthusiasts and anyone inspired by tales of resilience, triumph over adversity, and the pursuit of excellence. As she continues to etch her name in the annals of women’s basketball, the world eagerly watches the unfolding chapters of her remarkable career.