Veteran guard Jevon Carter has seen too many DNP’s Coach’s Decision by his name lately, and would like an explanation of “clarity” this offseason.
Brandon Dill/AP
ORLANDO – Jevon Carter could have scorched the earth if he really chose to on Sunday.
Instead, he chose to remain a pro’s pro and bite his tongue.
At least for now.
The veteran guard, who was the first free agent the Bulls jumped on last offseason, entered the game against the Magic watching more and more playing time dry up, getting six DNP (Did Not Play) Coach’s Decision in the last 12 games, and the time he has gotten lately was mostly mop-up.
The most common explanation coach Billy Donovan has given when asked about Carter’s lack of playing time has been, “He’s just got to stay ready.”
Considering how much work he puts in before and after games, that seemingly hasn’t been an issue. Still, Carter was asked about Donovan’s assessment, and responded to what his coach said with, “Coming from the guy himself.”
When asked if he needed more of an explanation than that, Carter said, “Do I need more or do I want more?”
When it was pointed out that “need” and “want” are very different, he smirked and said, “Look, I’m just happy to be here.”
The bottom line for Carter is this is season six for him in the Association, and with the Bulls fighting to get a first-round home game in the play-in, being a disruptor of the main thing staying the main thing is not in his DNA.
Once the season ends, however, a tough and honest conversation between player and organization needs to take place, and quickly.
“Yeah, I just want to hear something that makes sense. That’s all,” Carter said. “That’s all I’m looking for, just clarity.”
The Bulls signed Carter to a three-year, $19.5 million deal that included the former Proviso East standout owning the $6.8 million player option in the 2025-26 season. Maybe they try and move Carter this summer, but considering how little playing time he’s been getting, that might not be a moveable deal until the expiring season.
But until there’s some sort of resolution, or “clarity” as Carter phrased it, he remains on the bench, doing all he can to support his teammates.
“I think we’ve proven that we can beat anybody and if we don’t come prepared we can also lose to anybody,” Carter said when asked about his view of the state of the team. “Honestly, we’re kind of like a wildcard team. You don’t know what you are going to get. You can get our worst, or you can get our best. Only time will tell.”
On multiple fronts.
Playing the standings
There might come a game in the next week that Donovan tries to limit the heavy minutes that DeMar DeRozan and Coby White have been putting in all season, but it won’t come until the team’s regular-season fate is decided.
The Bulls can’t move out of the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference but can slide to No. 10.
“With what’s at stake for us, an opportunity to get a home (play-in) game, we would be wanting to fight for that, but I have not had any direction from the front office or I haven’t gotten anything from DeMar where it was, ‘Hey I want to rest, I want to sit out.’ “ Donovan said.
Man down
Guard Alex Caruso missed the game with the Magic after injuring his left ankle in the Friday win over the Knicks, but Donovan said Caruso is also dealing with a sore toe that has bothered him most of the season.