3. Jevon Carter, West Virginia
Here we have another point guard prospect the Knicks could consider in the second round. Jevon Carter is someone who won’t blow evaluators away, but he is a gamer.
Carter has made the NBA take notice of him with his play this season. He is the leader and floor general for the hectic West Virginia attack. Their vaunted press works so effectively because they have a lockdown defender at the top of it in Carter.
You won’t find a better on-ball defender in college basketball. Carter doesn’t back down no matter who he is being asked to defend. He is physical and someone you do not want to see lined up across from you. Carter will make you work from the opening tip to the final whistle of the game as his motor doesn’t stop.
In addition to his defense, Carter has improved offensively as well. Carter averaged 17 points per game, making 38.8 percent of his 3-point attempts. He also added 6.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game to go along with 2.9 steals per game, which was tied for the second-highest total in college basketball.
Carter’s calling card entering the NBA will be his defense. That is what will get him drafted and give him a shot to make a roster. That is a great attribute to have, as it is difficult to teach a player to play defense or keep their motor going.
The issues that Carter has, such as inconsistent shooting and ball-handling, are things an NBA team can help him improve. Carter has the work ethic and skill-set to carve out a lengthy career.