The Memphis Grizzlies added two key pieces on Draft Night. What does their second round selection, Jevon Carter, bring to the table?
A lot of the NBA Draft talk surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies has inevitably been about their No. 4 overall pick, Michigan State’s Jaren Jackson, Jr. However, the organization made a very wise decision in snatching West Virginia’s Jevon Carter with the No. 32 overall selection.
Both youngsters are defensive catalysts. There is no doubt about it. These kids want to play defense. Nowadays, it is difficult to find players that arae naturally hungry when it comes to getting stops. On the defensive side of the basketball, Memphis hit two home runs by choosing Jaren and Jevon on Thursday evening.
The words “defense” and “defensive” have been used so much regarding these two players, the point is definitely understood. However, how will this translate to the Memphis Grizzlies’ schemes, team chemistry, and more? More specifically, how can Jevon Carter make an impact as an NBA rookie — a second round pick, no less?
First off, immerse yourself in the thrilling four-year collegiate career of Carter, a 6’2,” 185-pound guard. Not only can he defend at a high level, but he was able to score with the best as a senior at WVU. Many thanks to Frankie Vision for the highlight reel of Jevon Carter’s on-court tendencies.
As you can easily see, Jevon is a ball hawk. He suffocates the opposition’s guards. The WVU product pickpockets others seemingly whenever he wants, even in the backcourt. He has a motor that seems to run on 110% every second of the game. All hustle, all energy. Plus, he finishes once he steals possession of the rock.
Surprisingly, Jevon Carter displays shooting ability with a smooth jumper. It may not be the best shooting form, but he gets awkward shots to fall through the hoop. He has a knack for nailing midrange Js. Shot selection could come into the discussion, but if the shots are falling, can you blame him for pulling up early for the transition bucket? Absolutely not — continue to hit the opponent and pull away with the victory.
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With Carter on the team, and perhaps a primary ballhandler when he is in the game, expect for the pace to be pushed. But, offense will be generated via stifling defense being played first and foremost. In the other team’s half-court offense, Jevon is strong enough to front the post player and snatch post-entry passes with the blink of an eye.
Being as the Memphis Grizzlies have some athletic bigs on their roster, pairing Jevon in lineups involving JaMychal Green, Jarell Martin, and even Ivan Rabb would be smart in case of missed opportunities at the rim. These aforementioned frontcourt guys can run the floor in transition and wow the crowd with putback dunks if they present themselves. Carter may not pass it off as he attacks the defense on a fastbreak, but he will help Memphis add points to the scoreboard in some fashion.
On Friday, the Grizzlies took no delay in placing their incoming rookies in in front of the public eye. Both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jevon Carter seem to be very personable in nature and overall very likable. Talk about excellent energy for the franchise moving forward.
From a perspective of fit within the Memphis Grizzlies’ past history and current roster, roster, both guys, especially Carter, truly belong with this franchise. Jevon Carter iterated this sentiment during the introductory press conference by saying “We defensive-minded guys. This is a defensive-minded program. We’re just going to come here and do our best, give everything we got on the defensive end, and just fight.”
Carter is a very Tony Allen-esque player when it comes to defense. No, really. Rewatch the highlight video if you need to do so. It is no fluke that ESPN has drawn comparisons of Jevon to another First-Team All-Defensive player, Patrick Beverley.
Carter is more of a Beverley-type player than he is a Tony Allen-type due to the fact that he became a consistent jump-shooter at West Virginia. As a senior, he shot 44.1% from two-point distances and 39.3% from three-point land. Averaging nearly 14 shot attempts per game, those are some accurate results, even if the shot selection is oftentimes quick or somewhat ill-advised. Regardless, Jevon is always, always, always in attack mode.
Summer League games, which will take place in July, for the Memphis Grizzlies will be very enticing to watch. Not only does Memphis have one of the highest-selected rookies in the league, but you can expect Jevon Carter to do plenty of damage as well.
Go Grizz!