The results of the annual Rookie Survey were released and Memphis Grizzlies young gun Jevon Carter was voted as the best defender in this year's draft class.
According to NBA.com's John Schuhmann, Carter received 29 percent of the votes, followed by the Orlando Magic's Mohamed Bamba with 14 percent, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Josh Okogie with 11 percent, and the Phoenix Suns' Mikal Bridges with nine percent. Fellow Memphis rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Cleveland Cavaliers' Colin Sexton rounded up the top five with each receiving six percent of the votes.
Overall top pick DeAndre Ayton received votes but was unable to crack the top five. If the votes turn out to be prophetic, the Grizzlies has a bright future ahead of them. Carter recently underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. In fact, he was absent during the Rookie photo shoot. But it did not matter as his defensive prowess still impressed his peers.
The 6-foot-2 guard tallied a total of 330 steals and 34 blocks over the course of his four-year career in West Virginia University. Carter also averaged 12.2 points 3.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game during the said span. Last year, it was Sacramento Kings' Josh Jackson who was voted as the best defender in their batch.
Being voted by your fellow rookie as the best defender in the draft class means that you must have earned their respect. Jevon Carter needs to show what he got after being overlooked in the draft night. He was selected in the second round (32nd pick) by the Grizzlies. Helping his team on the defensive end this season will certainly help advance the rebuilding phase Memphis is currently going through.
Follow Us
Subscribe