NBA Draft 2018: Searching for the next Russell Westbrook this year

Tony Carr, Penn State

Tony Carr is a 6’5″ point guard who took a “Westbrook-ian” leap in his sophomore year at Penn State. This season, Carr averaged 19.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His usage rate went up to 30.1% this season. Carr is adept at using his body to shield off potential shot blockers and finish with either hand. He is at his best in transition, where he can use his vision to spot the open man.

Carr’s turnover rate dropped while his assist rate increased. This sort of turnaround is a heavy indicator of a player who will continue to grow at a consistent rate well into his late twenties (with good coaching).

Carr’s field goal percentage at the rim increased from his freshman year but he is by no means an “elite” finisher. However, the key to Carr’s improvement was his jump shot. He 5.4 3-pointers per game and hit them at an excellent rate of 43.7 percent. His knockdown 3-point shooting meant defenders had to close out harder, which gave Carr plenty of openings to get all the way to the rim.

And while he doesn’t always finish, Carr attempted 5.1 free throws per game, making 79.3%. Also important to note, according to Hoop-Math.com, 60.2% of his 3-point attempts were assisted on. No one else on the team had less than 80 percent of their 3-pointers assisted. Basically, Tony Carr was the Penn State offense in 2018. And his stellar offensive rating 113.4 accurately reflects how effective he can be when allowed to play to his strengths.