Rookie Jevon Carter tears ligament in right thumb
Freak injuries are an all-too-frequent occurrence for the Grizzlies over the last few seasons, and unfortunately for the star-crossed Memphis squad, another one happened Thursday.
Rookie guard Jevon Carter suffered a torn right thumb ligament while participating in a skills camp run by legendary player development coach Tim Grgurich, a team source told The Commercial Appeal. The source requested anonymity because no official announcement has been made.
The injury happened during a usually-innocuous play. While going against someone else, Carter caught his thumb in the opposing player’s jersey, according to the source.
The source said the injury will require surgery, but the Grizzlies are confident of a full recovery.
Though it’s an unusual injury, other point guards have gone through it recently. Chris Paul ruptured his thumb in 2017 and Marcus Smart did so in 2018. Both players returned roughly six weeks after surgery and played at a high level.
A similar timetable would see Carter return at the beginning of training camp. The Grizzlies are well-stocked at point guard in his absence, with new signing Shelvin Mack and Andrew Harrison joining surefire starter Mike Conley.
The 6-foot-2 Carter was selected by the Grizzlies in the second round from West Virginia and was the No. 32 overall pick. He was was a Second Team AllAmerican last season and is known for his toughness and defense. He was the
Naismith Defensive Player of the Year last season and a two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
The Grizzlies signed him to a multiyear deal last month.
Carter officially signed his two-year minimum contract with the Grizzlies at the end of the Summer League last month, making his spot on the 15-man roster secure. It was an up-and-down Summer League for Carter, with average performances bookending two spectacular ones.