At 6'2 with a 6'9 wingspan Carter could possibly guard 3 positions. After Providence's leading scorer Bryce Hopkins (who was averaging 15.5 ppg, 9 rbds, 1.4 assts and an absolutely disgusting 18.9 3pt%) went out with an injury, Carter step in and blasted off to the tune of 19.7 ppg, 8.7 rbds, 3.6 assts, 3 balks and shooting an improved 37% from 3 as a guard mind you. He alone took a sputtering, middle of the pack team and almost got them into the NCAA tournament. Devin Carter should retire a Rocket. Trade down with preferably Memphis and make this happen.
Carter is probably the worst option of the top guards. Reed, Dillingham, Topic and even Castle who I dont like are all better options. Carter did bump up his shooting from the 20's up fo 37% as a junior but his shot is slow and weird looking. He's the oldest of the projected top guards. He had a really high usage rate and he barely got any assists. Hes a poor playmaker. He is good at finishing and he was a good defender for his size. But even if we traded back to 9 theres other players I'd rather have in that range.
Check this out. Devin Carter, a guard, recorded 13 double doubles last season. Reed Sheppard = 1 Rob Dillingham = 0 Devin Carter led his team in scoring in 19 games. Reed Sheppard = with all those minutes he played, 6 times and scored an amazing 3 points in their South Regional Championship game. You know, when it counts. Rob Dillingham = 7 times and also scored a scorching 10 points in the same championship game.
I'm all for it. Hard worker. Gives you offense and defense. High energy motor. Causes Chaos similar to Tari Eason. All of this draft is for bench players, depth. Notables Vs Houston (23/24): per basketball-reference.com (splits of each player) SGA: 3 games, 33.3 points (avg), 131 ORtg, 101 DRtg Kyrie: 3 games, 33.0 points (avg), 136 ORtg, 120 DRtg Haliburton: 2 games, 25.5 points (avg), 133 ORtg, 125 DRtg Trae Young: 2 games, 24.0 points (avg), 118 ORtg, 119 DRtg Dame: 2 games, 28.5 points (avg), 133 ORtg, 115 DRtg Steph Curry: 3 games, 28.3 points (avg), 141 ORtg, 117 DRtg Maxey: 2 games, 34.5 points (avg), 138 ORtg, 131 DRtg Brunson: 2 games, 28.5 points (avg), 113 ORtg, 113 DRtg Amen does a good job helping keep their numbers to where they are; but I may need him on a wing defensively. I often stress spacing; but I don't trust Sheppard to stop anyone defensively. VanVleet had to work too many minutes per game, too many games. Fatigued halfway through season.
I agree this is a bench player draft. If you are looking for a defense first PG type would it be Carter or Castle?
Castle, but Castle doesn't shoot well. Tough to have both Amen and Castle. 26.7 (3P% at college level, 2.2 attempts per game) Amen Thompson was 13.8 (3P%) for the season on 0.9 attempts per game. Devin Carter shot 37.7 (3P%) on 6.8 attempts per game while exerting a lot of energy defending best player.
I didn’t realize Carter shot that well. I really hope we swing a trade with Portland for Brogdon or Simons(as Jalen insurance) and no. 7. I think one of Castle, Carter, or Sheppard(doubtful) will be there at #7.
If the Rockets think Carter is a great player, they should just draft him at #3. I do not see the Rockets drafting Carter, if they do not feel he can play NBA PG. Same thing for Castle and Sheppard.
I'm not much on Brogdon because I feel he rarely plays. I'm a believer in best ability is availability, and what good is it to have a Ferrari if it's always in the shop. But I give you a like because you are being open minded to some managerial moves. Not that many care, but his dad is Miami Heat Assistant Coach Anthony Carter, played in the NBA and I'm sure Devin hung around the teams during practices. Picked up a thing or two.
Brogdon is really good when he plays, but I didn’t realize his career stats on games played. I’d still take a flyer on him if we could get him with any Brooks or other bench fodder and maybe 2nd round picks. I just think our major priority is to find Jalen insurance, but it has to be at good value.
Carter's shot volume from 3P range was exceptional and IIRC a ton of those shots were self-created too. He's an outstanding athlete and has a +6 wingspan. Again, I just want to say I think players with his strengths have been very, very successful in the NBA in recent years--guys who can play great perimeter defense and shoot at all (even if it looks funky) are really prized in the pace-and-space era. I would be good with trading back for him--I don't expect him to be a true star player, but I wouldn't be surprised if he sneakily becomes a third option on a contender, i.e. Jrue Holiday.
Just an fyi Stephon Castle 99.3 DRtg in (23/24) ..... (Luxury of Clingan behind him) Devin Carter 94.5 DRtg in (23/24) So hard to say who would be the better defender
As much as I want to say Carter, you're right, it is hard to pick. The only plus I can see for Carter is as you alluded to, he had no other star player with him.
