Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets React to Jevon Carter’s Impressive NBA Debut

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jevon Carter finally received his long-awaited opportunity and he did not disappoint when his name was called.

Though the Memphis Grizzlies lost their second consecutive game — both being home meetings — even a 40-point performance by superstar James Harden could not outshine guard Jevon Carter.

It was surprising to see Carter on the outside looking in on the Grizzlies’ rotation to start the 2018-19 NBA season. Memphis has showcased a crowded backcourt, but Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been finding at least a few minutes for everyone except for Jevon.

With Mike Conley being the only consistent guard through the Memphis Grizzlies’ first 29 games, it is shocking to see Jevon Carter go that full stretch without checking into a regular season game until Saturday evening.

Even while placed in the observer’s role, Carter has made the most of his time with the Memphis Hustle when on various G-League assignments. He has displayed full domination, and finally it forced Bickerstaff’s hand. It also took a little bit of coincidence with Kyle Anderson missing his first action of the season, therefore opening minutes for other Grizz reserves.

Within seconds of checking into Saturday’s matchup versus the Houston Rockets, Jevon Carter secured a clean steal on Chris Paul, and immediately followed the swipe by drawing a foul from Paul.

Carter did not get starstruck in the moment — he continued to remain focused. Though he went one-of-five from outside, his fastbreak drives and slams were well on target. Then there was the clean rip he had on James Harden, which also led to a fastbreak bucket.

Memphis trailed by a score of 61-40 at halftime, but the Grizzlies were able to make it a game in the second half, largely in part to Jevon Carter’s presence. He was making things happen that primary backup point guard Shelvin Mack could not.

What was J.B. Bickerstaff afraid of? Of course Jevon Carter was ready. He was NBA-ready when he was first drafted with the 32nd overall pick back in July. On Saturday, he displayed the exact same defense, along with the exact same offense, that he mastered during four years at West Virginia.

Carter stole the show on Saturday, and because of his efforts, the fourth quarter became interesting. Without him, the 21-point halftime deficit would have likely held true to the end. Postgame comments in both locker rooms were — to nobody’s surprise — centered around Jevon Carter’s impressive NBA debut.

Jevon finished the contest with 11 points, one rebound, two steals, and one block — defense clearly oozing from his game. Yet, he transitioned his defense into powerful offense.

On the Memphis Grizzlies’ side, Marc Gasol said it was “great to see” how Jevon Carter “inspired” the team to get back into the game and make it a competitive ending.

Additionally, Jevon’s rookie teammate — Jaren Jackson Jr. — was not shocked by the contributions of the West Virginia product. He has known what Carter is about even prior to becoming teammates.

Bickerstaff did not waste time on Saturday in implementing his favorite scheme of a dual point guard backcourt. Mike Conley and Jevon Carter shared ballhandling duties, and in return, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to shave points off the deficit. The rookie definitely caught Conley’s attention, too.

In Houston’s locker room, James Harden did not downplay Carter’s determined play due to rookie status. He gave him his props and acknowledged that he boosted Memphis in a way that gave them a run for their money.

The Memphis Grizzlies hit the court again on Monday when they face the Golden State Warriors for the second time this season. In order for it not to be another blowout loss, J.B. Bickerstaff absolutely must go with Jevon Carter again.

What is the worst that could happen? It will already be a tough matchup, and Shelvin Mack’s play is still in a downward trend. With or without Kyle Anderson, this will be the perfect game in assessing Jevon Carter’s skill set on the NBA level.

It worked against the Houston Rockets, which are on the same elite level — despite a currently poor record — as the Warriors. Jevon excelled when paired against the reigning league MVP, so it only makes sense to throw him on a former league MVP. It will only help — not hurt — the Memphis Grizzlies’ chances. Expect to see a lot more of Jevon from here on out.