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Draft Class Peers Rank Memphis Grizzlies’ Rookies as Best in Defense

By Blake Monroe

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies passes the ball against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 14, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies passes the ball against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 14, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies’ rookies continue to make headlines even before the season starts.

In this year’s annual NBA rookie survey, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jevon Carter ranks as the top defensive player. Or so says his rookie peers, which happen to be the ones that know best. Carter was the one stripping the ball from their possession over the past four years.

It is no secret that the Memphis Grizzlies drafted great players from the 2018 NBA Draft class. However, to fans’ surprise, it is the second round pick in the news regarding the annual survey. Carter, selected 32nd overall in June, proved himself as a fierce point guard during the Grizzlies’ summer league games. During his stint in Vegas, Jevon Carter put up a total of 80 points, 30 rebounds, and eight steals along with 32 assists. These totals wer accumulated within a two-week span.

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In the most recent poll, Jevon received 29% of the votes for top defensive player. This mark topped premier rookies by the likes of Mohamed Bamba, Collin Sexton, and Memphis’ fourth overall pick, Jaren Jackson Jr.

This breakout success in summer league action as a top defender for the Memphis Grizzlies can be traced back to his time spent in college with West Virginia. During his tenure as a Mountaineer, Jevon Carter impressed fans with extraordinary defense and fierce aggressiveness on the court. This defense did not go unnoticed because this past week he joined only nine other players in Mountaineer history on West Virginia’s Wall of Immortals. This is a feat given only to the best to play at this particular university.

Unfortunately, in a recent freak accident, Jevon tore a ligament in his hand. This kept him from participating in the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot, but he will be ready to jump head-first into training camp. The Memphis Grizzlies are no strangers to injuries; thankfully this time, Carter will still play a valuable role in this season’s lineup.

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