Memphis Grizzlies: Jevon Carter Receives First Career Start

As the Memphis Grizzlies frantically search for answers while fighting through injuries, J.B. Bickerstaff gave Jevon Carter his first NBA start on Monday.

In the third matchup of the 2018-19 regular season between the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff is shuffling his cards in order to find something that works. His planned recipe for success on Monday is unleashing his secret weapon — rookie Jevon Carter.

The Grizzlies need each and every win possible as they attempt to stay in playoff contention in the Western Conference. As they enter perhaps the toughest week of their season schedule on Monday, things are not looking too favorable.

Memphis is 0-2 versus Houston thus far, and though the Rockets are currently shorthanded and a minimal bench threat, facing depleted rosters has not brought good luck to the Grizzlies’ record.

Kyle Anderson is the latest name to hit the Memphis Grizzlies’ injury report, and you could say this is the most interesting of all the ones sustained by the Grizz this season.

In Anderson’s absence, does the team play smaller? Do they play bigger by throwing JaMychal Green into a small forward role? Or do they swap wings around and roll with the punches?

Prior to tip-off, Coach Bickerstaff explained that it will all depend on the nightly matchup. He will continue shuffling the cards in his hand, whether he has a lot or only a few. In essence, he is still toying with his roster anyway, even after reaching the season’s midpoint.

One of the hottest topics within his rotation is his experimentation with the backup point guard options. Jevon Carter clearly deserves minutes based off his passionate play and the team’s need to allow him to learn in his first professional season. Plus, J.B. has been infatuated with veteran Shelvin Mack.

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Does something have to give? Not necessarily. Bickerstaff now acknowledges that he can have the best of both worlds. As announced just minutes before Monday’s meeting with the Rockets, Jevon Carter will act as the starting shooting guard and Shelvin Mack will be the first guard off the bench to replace Mike Conley.

This move is a true testament to the hard work demonstrated this season by Carter. He has been assigned numerous times to the Memphis Hustle and played his tail off with them. He continued to work hard when he was sitting the bench with the Grizzlies. In spot minutes — yes, against the Houston Rockets in a prior meeting — he impressed enough to force his way into Bickerstaff’s rotation.

In fact, Jevon Carter is now making his NBA debut as a starter against the same opponent that he received his official NBA debut. It was not just Houston that did a double-take in watching the rook’s highlight-filled debut in December. His head coach took notice, too.

Now, this should be the first of many regular season NBA starts by the West Virginia product. It took Jevon just his 10th game of playing time to log an NBA start. Plus, he is a second round Draft pick. That in and of itself is a tough feat for any second rounder.

At this point in a season that has definitely taken a toll on the Memphis Grizzlies, the fan base needs to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Jevon Carter show. This is the type of thing that will really pay dividends one or two years from now, and beyond. J.B. Bickerstaff is learning that it is okay to invest in the franchise’s future stars.