Billy Donovan praises Jevon Carter for being 'professional' despite the lack of playing time

Jevon has stayed ready for when the opportunity calls.

© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

In the offseason, the Chicago Bulls moved quickly to sign then-free agent guard Jevon Carter to shore up the team’s backcourt. Pundits and fans alike praised the move, given how Carter played exceptionally well on both ends of the floor in limited minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks the previous season.

However, things haven’t gone according to plan for the six-year veteran, as he’s played sparingly for the Bulls this season, averaging only 14 minutes per game and posting 5.4 points on 36 percent shooting. Despite the steep drop-off in playing time and production, head coach Billy Donovan has nothing but praise for Carter’s attitude and work ethic.

Third-string guard

Carter played so well for the Bucks last season that many pegged him to assume the starting point guard role. With his relentless defense and accurate spot-up shooting, he seemed like the perfect fit next to stars Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. But with the Bulls, Carter has found himself buried on the depth chart behind starting point guard Coby White and even sophomore Dalen Terry.

However, Carter reminded the Bulls’ staff of what he could do when he scored 14 points and drained four triples in their 122-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Afterward, Bulls coach Billy Donovan praised Jevon for handling the situation with grace and class.

“Jevon is really professional, comes in and gets his work in, and I’m sure he wants to play, wants to be out there. But in my conversations with him, I just want to be direct and upfront with him,” Donovan shared.

Jevon Carter's second triple of the first 🔥@NBCSChicago | @nextlevel_03 pic.twitter.com/HA2fSYKYH4

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 14, 2024

Difficult playing 10 men

Having a 10-man rotation can be tricky, as it won’t give players enough court time to establish a rhythm, which is essential for players, especially shooters. After the

“The thing that has always been a bit tough to do is to play 10 people because inevitably those ninth and 10th guys, it’s five minutes here, four minutes there, and it’s hard to get into a flow,” Donovan explained.

Carter’s place on the rotation remains fluid, but if a trade involving Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan materializes, Carter could find himself in a more prominent role.

Jevon Carter getting loose pic.twitter.com/cRJYkPOkT8

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) January 10, 2024

Coby White's work on the defensive end impresses Billy Donovan the most