Jevon Carter’s Career in Phoenix Could be Over

Morgantown, West Virginia – Former West Virginia All-American guard Jevon Carter has proven that he is more than capable of being a valuable part of an NBA roster.  Carter, who averaged 4.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 16.3 minutes per game, was the backup point guard behind starter Ricky Rubio for the Suns this season.

However, Carter is a restricted free agent and may not fit in the Suns’ future plans.  Carter will battle with Ty Jerome, who bounced between the G League and the Suns’ NBA roster, and Elie Okobo, a young French guard who the Suns drafted in the 2nd round last season.

Jerome is a former 1st round pick and has guaranteed money on his contract and Okobo has a partial guarantee.  Even though Carter outperformed both by a large margin, he may be left on the outside looking in.

 

According to The Valley of the Suns, Carter is the better player but money could stand in the way.  “Carter averaged more points, rebounds, and steals, while having fewer turnovers and shooting a better across the field goal, free throw, and 3-point percentages. While Okobo averaged more assists, Carter beats Okobo in every other category and is far and away the stronger defender. The eyes and the statistics tell us Carter is battling with Jerome, but finances may say otherwise.”

 

Professional sports is a cutthroat business and often players that deserve to be on a team get cut or do not get re-signed.  Jevon Carter, who recently won the Dan Majerle Hustle Award, certainly has earned his spot on the Phoenix Suns, but there’s a very good chance that he will be searching for a new team in his 3rd NBA season.

 

Carter seemed to say goodbye to Phoenix in a social media post after it was determined that the Suns would not make the playoffs this season: “Man, I’m at a lost for words right now.  We did everything we could, we gave it our all and this was a fun ride.  I enjoyed every bit of it.  Thank you Phoenix.”