It goes without saying that Milwaukee Bucks fans were pleased when it was announced that the team re-signed Jevon Carter in free agency this past offseason.
Following an impressive showing in the preseason over the past several weeks, fans are anxious to see Carter hopefully play a more prominent role during the 2022-23 season. If Carter can build off the success he had with the Bucks after signing with them late last season, he could be on the verge of a breakout year. With that said, here are three bold predictions for the 27-year-old guard as he looks to assert himself as a key contributor with the Bucks in 2022-23.
Bold prediction No. 1 – Jevon Carter will average new career-highs in points and assists per game with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022-23
In 20 regular season games with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Jevon Carter put up the best numbers of his NBA career in virtually every category. He averaged 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 17.7 minutes per game. Though those numbers may not jump off the page, Carter’s impact was felt every single time he checked into the game last season. As he looks to become an even more crucial piece to the puzzle in 2022-23, Carter could shatter his previous career bests in points and assists.
According to NBA.com/stats, Milwaukee’s reserves ranked 27th in points and 28th in assists per game last season. While Carter alone may not bulk up those numbers mightily, he could certainly provide some assistance. The point guard has shown that he can score and pass the basketball at a high level. While it came in a small sample size, Carter turned heads throughout the preseason as he averaged 10.6 points and 3.6 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. His numbers may not look like that once the season begins, but Carter can provide more scoring and facilitating when given the chance. It would not be surprising to see him eclipse his numbers from last season.
Obviously, for Carter to surpass his current career highs, it starts with him earning more minutes in Mike Budenholzer’s rotation. Given what he has shown over the last several months, he should not have any trouble with that, hopefully. If Carter secures his status as Milwaukee’s backup point guard full-time, he could unquestionably put up new career bests in points and assists per game. Hopefully the guard will be entrusted to do more off the bench this season.
Bold prediction No. 2 – Jevon Carter will have the highest 3-point percentage among the Milwaukee Bucks’ main rotational players in 2022-23
One of the most significant reasons why Jevon Carter instantly clicked with the Milwaukee Bucks was his red-hot 3-point shooting. The guard shot a blistering 24-of-43 (55.8 percent) from deep during his 20 regular season games. Among players to have played 20 regular season games with the Bucks last year, Carter led the team in 3-point percentage by far. For reference, the runner-up was Sandro Mamukelashvili at 42.3 percent. Carter has a good chance to lead the Bucks in 3-point percentage this coming season if he can build off that success.
Of course, Carter’s sample size will increase this season. He will play more games while getting more minutes and attempts. He may not shoot north of 55 percent across an entire season, but shooting above 40 percent is an attainable feat. The main factor behind that will be if Carter can bury his wide-open looks like he did last season. Per NBA.com/stats, Carter shot 16-of-27 (59.3 percent) on his threes when given six or more feet of space. Playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and others, a significant portion of Carter’s shots will be open, and he must capitalize.
Across his five preseason appearances, Carter picked up right where he left off last season as he shot 12-of-23 (52.2 percent) from three. It will be fascinating to see if the guard can translate his hot shooting into the regular season. Given how much the Bucks rely on 3-point shooting, Carter could be a massive piece offensively if he continues to shoot the ball well. As the bold prediction states, Carter may very well lead the way in 3-point percentage for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bold prediction No. 3 – Jevon Carter will earn votes for an All-Defensive team with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022-23
As great as he is as a scorer and passer, Jevon Carter’s biggest strength is his intense presence on the defensive end. The West Virginia product has always been known as a pest on that side of the basketball, and it was on full display last season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Carter’s defense is yet another reason why he should be a staple in Milwaukee’s rotation. If he does get hefty minutes in 2022-23 to showcase his talent on that end, Carter could earn some All-Defensive votes.
Year in and year out, the competition for All-Defensive honors at the guard position is a big battle. Marcus Smart and Milwaukee’s own Jrue Holiday will certainly be in the mix once again, in addition to names like Mikal Bridges, Matisse Thybulle, Dejounte Murray, Patrick Beverley, and many more. Carter will face some stiff competition, but it is reasonable to believe he could make his way onto some ballots this coming season. Who knows, if Carter’s breakout season comes to fruition, there could be some legitimate buzz about him actually making a team rather than just getting votes.
For that to happen, Carter will have to continue playing the same brand of reputable defense that he has throughout his career. The point guard will be tasked with picking up opposing ball handlers the entire length of the floor and making life difficult for them. Lineups with Carter and Holiday in the backcourt together should be fun to watch this season, given the top-tier defense the duo has. A bigger role could earn him some more recognition among voters.
Stay tuned to see if Jevon Carter can make good on these incredibly bold predictions in 2022-23.