Suns Draft Profile 2014: Jahii Carson

With all these draft picks, does Jahii Carson fit the Suns draft class of 2014?

If you are looking for hometown hero-type story as part of the new faces joining the organization, it definitely could be the right fit. But it also could be the right fit on the court as well. Carson loves to push the tempo which has been well documented as a staple of what the Suns are all about. ASU Head Coach Herb Sendek even somewhat changed his philosophy two years ago to change to more of an up-tempo style of play to better fit Carson’s skill set.

Most projections see Carson as a second round talent, most of which could because of his smaller size or lack of length standing 5-11. Ryan McDonough noted that what makes a player of his size successful at this level is athleticism and explosiveness and Carson without a doubt has both. He had the biggest vertical at the NBA Draft Combine of 43.5 and rumored to have dunked for the first time when he was 13 years-old and just 5-3. That high-energy and explosion will absolutely have to translate on the defensive side of the ball as well if he wants to have a long standing career. Bigger guards are able to exploit him on defense, could be his downfall. Carson acknowledges that and is working like crazy to prove that’s not the case in these draft workouts.

Career highlights: Carson in two years at ASU averaged 18.5 points per game while shooting 47.8% from the field and 35.4% from three. He also averaged 4.5 assists per game over his career as well as 4.9 assists and just under a steal per game. His great ability to score was on full display throughout his time in Tempe but never more than his career performance at UNLV where he dropped a career high 40. In his senior year with Mesa High School in 2011, he dropped 58 points in the semifinals of the state tournament which ultimately ended in a loss to Brophy.

Strengths: Ability to handle the basketball and get to the basket, mid-range jumper, leadership, speed, athleticism and jumping ability.