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Memphis Grizzlies: Jevon Carter Could Succeed Similarly to Utah’s Mitchell

ByChristian Dudley|
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: Jevon Carter #3 of Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 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 8: Jevon Carter #3 of Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 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)

Initially placed in the thick of a backcourt logjam, the Memphis Grizzlies could see Jevon Carter emerge from the pack much like Donovan Mitchell in Utah last season.

On paper, the Memphis Grizzlies have incredibly depth within their current roster. When considering the team’s versatility, their backcourt becomes even deeper.

This usually spells bad news for a typical NBA rookie — a second rounder, no less. However, the Grizzlies’ Jevon Carter, a product of West Virginia University, is definitely not your typical NBA rookie.

Within the loaded 2018 NBA Draft class, Carter was selected at No. 32 overall. After reviewing his stellar four years at WVU, and all the tormenting of team’s backcourts he conducted, it is difficult to gather how Jevon lasted until No. 32.

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Front Office guys wearing suits all day do not always get their Draft selections correct. All Grizzlies fans can agree on this statement. Jevon Carter’s talent, especially on the defensive end, is undeniable. 29% of his fellow rookie peers voted him the best defender in the class, finishing 15% higher than the second-highest vote receiver.

Even with a great amount of talent, nothing is given in the NBA as a player makes their entrance. When you analyze the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster, of course there are guys commanding major minutes at the point guard and shooting guard positions.

Mike Conley is the leader of the Grizzly squad. Dillon Brooks is coming off of a rookie season where he appeared in all 82 games and averaged 11.0 points per game. Plus, newcomer Garrett Temple looks to help Memphis in a variety of ways. Then there is Andrew Harrison and the strides he took to improve his game in 2017-18.

That is not where the list stops. It gets even crazier if you are the Grizzlies’ coaching staff attempting to find minutes for each guy deserving of receiving them.

Was MarShon Brooks‘ scoring frenzy for real? Or was it a fluke in a tanking season? Scoring is just what this Grizz roster needs most. One other name to watch is Shelvin Mack, a veteran point guard that is very creative in finding teammates for open offensive looks.

For Jevon Carter, it will be challenging to say the least. That is a major reason why he did not tap the brakes when he sustained an offseason thumb injury. He kept going harder and did not miss workouts. If anything, it made him stronger.

Last season, a popular NBA rookie was facing a very similar predicament. Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz was stuck in a backcourt logjam, much like Jevon Carter faces today.

Utah suffered a couple key injuries early in Mitchell’s time with the Jazz. This, alongside stifling defensive intensity and attacking offense, forced the Utah Jazz to hand significant minutes to Donovan.

Looking back on last season, Donovan quickly rose to worldwide fame. Everything within his team is now centered around him, and rightfully so. Without Mitchell, the Jazz would not have clinched a playoff berth. They would not have defeated the star-studded Oklahoma City Thunder to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Donovan Mitchell was 2017’s No. 13 overall Draft pick. As previously stated, Jevon Carter landed at No. 32 this past July. However, both are in very similar situations. They both also entered the league with the same reputations as elite defensemen.

Will history repeat itself?

Do not say that it is unlikely for Jevon Carter to break into the Memphis Grizzlies’ rotation by the start of the season. After Day Three of the training camp hosted by the Grizz, Jevon has already made quite the impression. Grind City Media‘s Michael Wallace had the initial report.

In order for an NBA player to jump out of the gate like Donovan Mitchell did in his rookie season, a killer instinct has to be had. They also must be willing to out-work their competition — even when it comes to their own teammates. These special types do not come around all that often.

At the minimum, the Memphis Grizzlies’ lead decision-maker(s) must be given praise for the selection of Jevon Carter when he remained on the Draft board at No. 32. Though the regular season has not yet started, this pick looks to be a home run for them.

The internal battle for rotation minutes will continue on Tuesday when the Memphis Grizzlies face the Houston Rockets in preseason action. Jevon Carter must continue to impress in order to steal playing time away from his veteran teammates.

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