Memphis Grizzlies: 3 reasons Jevon Carter was a good pick

3. Impact player on the defensive end

In an era where many consider defense to be a lost art in the game, Jevon Carter managed to carve out a role for himself in college due to his ability to play at the less glamorous end of the floor. The two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year helped turn West Virginia into Press Virginia from the moment he arrived on campus by checking players the full length of the floor.

Despite being undersized at the next level, Carter possesses exceptional lateral movement and quick hands, which he uses effectively to force opponents into bad shots and turnovers at a high rate.

In addition to a level of physicality that he incorporates to fully smother and lock down opposing guards, Carter’s ability to get steals and cause havoc at the defensive end of the floor is why many compare him to current Los Angeles Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley.

"“Jevon tells guys where to go on the floor when they don’t know the plays,” West Virginia assistant coach Ron Everhart said to reporters about Carter during his time with the Mountaineers. “He sits there and studies their film. He knows their plays better than they do.”"

Although most of Press Virginia’s defensive schemes will not carry over to the NBA level, the Grizzlies can seek to plug Carter into the lineup for defensive help immediately come day one, as his ability to do all of the above should help Memphis turn last season’s defensive efficiency rating around for the better.