2016 Houston Rockets Draft Prospect Series: Robert Carter

The 2016 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday June 23rd with the Houston Rockets selecting 37th and 43rd. With that Space City Scoop is featuring a Draft Prospect Series covering 60 of the top ranked prospects. Next up is Robert Carter

Draft Prospect:

Specifics:

Height: 6’9″
Weight: 251 lbs
Country: America, Thomasville, Georgia
Position: Power Forward/Center
Age: 22
Reach: 8’10.5″
Wingspan: 7’3.25″
College or Pro League: Maryland, Junior (began NCAA career Georgia Tech at before transfering to Maryland)
Stat line: 35 Games, 12.4 Points Per Game, 7.0 Rebounds Per Game, 1.9 Assists Per Game

Current Rank:

Please note, the rankings below come from the most up to date versions as the time of writing. That said not all the mock drafts provide second round ranks or updates often only extend to the end of the first round.

Therefore, if you check a ranking and note the number has changed it’s likely due to updates and a shift in the rankings.

ESPN Chad Ford: 51

Draft Express: 45

Bleacher Report: 46

Scott Howard Cooper: 53

The Skills:

As per Draft Express:

Blessed with outstanding overall scoring instincts, Carter has the ability to stretch the floor offensively, displaying solid mechanics and a high level of confidence as a shooter. You would expect Carter’s jump shooting percentages to be higher based on the eye test, but he wasn’t able to achieve the high level of consistency needed for him to be a threat.

He made just 33.3% of his 3.5 three point attempts per 40 minutes pace adjusted last season and is just a 29.7% long distance shooter over his three year collegiate career. He will have to show he is capable of being a high percentage shooter from the mid-range and NBA three point line to realize his full offensive potential, even if his soft touch indicates he should be able to do so in time.

Weaknesses:

As per Draft Express:

Defensively, Carter has some potential, but has a ways to go in this area, which may ultimately decide whether he’s able to carve out a NBA niche, and to what extent. He moves his feet well but does not have great fundamentals and can be susceptible to taking plays off on this end of the floor, playing too straight up and limiting his lateral quickness.

Teams are likely going to ask him to guard perimeter forwards and switch on action outside the three point line, primarily ball screens, so Carter will have to be willing to accept this defensive role with a higher level of energy to move his feet to stay in front of dribble penetration.His conditioning level will be key throughout his career as Carter played less than thirty minutes per game in each of his collegiate seasons. He can tire easily at times which can lead to some mistakes or some lazy moments. With his expected NBA role, he will need to be maximize his physical tools to help him stay engaged on both ends.

The Fit:

More from Space City Scoop

With Dwight Howard opting out of his contract players who fall in the power forward, – small ball center role who can score will get second looks.

With Carter demonstrating an ability to commit to losing significant weight it does point to his passion to play at the next level. He’s also a player who could grow into a solid piece especially in the new small ball NBA World.

That said, and sorry to reiterate this, but the Houston Rockets are looking to win now so Carter is lower on the ladder than desirable and they have a player in Donatas Motiejunas who they can resign for immediate and is tailor made for D’Antoni’s system.

Next: Draft Prospect Guerschon Yabusele

Next: Draft Prospect Chinanu Onuaku

Next: Draft Prospect Demetrius Jackson

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