2020 NBA Draft Preview: Vernon Carey Jr. 6’10 270 C- Duke
2 min read
What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Carey has wide shoulders and should be able to finish through contact at the next level. On tape, there weren’t other centers that pushed Carey around on the block or looked as strong as he did in the paint. He showed himself well, employing a drop step against Georgetown’s 7-foot center Omer Yurtseven in an early season matchup at Madison Square Garden. Rebound machine. Averaged almost nine boards in 24 minutes of action. Shows promise with his ability to pass from the elbow (Miami, ‘20).
Weaknesses:
Carey is strong but can he play effectively in the NBA at 270 pounds? The Duke center averaged 24 minutes a game and he looked on tape like he could’ve played more if he wasn’t fatigued. It’s no coincidence that Carey scored 26 points and 13 rebounds against Pittsburgh when he played 35 minutes. The more he plays, the more effective a player he is. Left-hand dominant. The Florida native is best as a back to the basket big man, has the modern NBA game passed him by?
Other Notes:
- Attended the University School of Nova Southeastern University (Fla.) and was named Florida’s Mr. Basketball in 2017 and 2018.
- Father, Vernon, played offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins
- Named to the 2019-2020 All ACC Freshman team and was named the conference’s Rookie of the Year
- 2019-2020 (31 games, 30 sts, Consensus 2nd Team All-American): 17.8 PPG, 58% FG, 38% 3-PT, 67% FT, 8.8 RPG, 1 APG
Time to get NASTY (Our Summary):
Staying in shape and out-hustling the NBA competition will be how Carey survives in the NBA. If the former Duke freshman can perfect running rim-to-rim and sealing the opposing team’s center underneath the basket, he has a chance at a long career. Carey showed he can maneuver from the elbow so there is a possibility he could play some power forward. His game is reminiscent of former Michigan State Spartan Zach Randolph. Randolph enjoyed his best success defensively when paired with a shot blocking center: Theo Ratliff (Portland) and Marc Gasol (Memphis). Carey would benefit equally with rim protection. Right now, it’s hard to find a first round fit for the center.
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