NCAAM: LaVine, 5 players who could have used another year

Jahii Carson: Point Guard, Arizona State

Draft position: Undrafted (signed with Houston Rockets for summer league)

Carson dazzled in his two years at ASU, but his height (5’11”) and lack of effort, at times, were enough of a red flag that Carson was not drafted. For Carson, waiting all night for the call that never came from an NBA team on draft night must have been completely devastating. It’s not really a surprise, though. Since 2000, only 10 players under six-feet tall of 289 have been taken in the NBA draft. For shorter guys, it’s always going to be an uphill battle. (Please, pardon the pun.) Perhaps, Carson may have still gone undrafted had he waited another year in Tempe. Carson isn’t getting any taller. Of the sub-six-foot, scoring point guards, Carson most closely resembles Isaiah Thomas and Nate Robinson. He’s lightning quick and with outstanding leaping ability. Getting to the rim and finishing was no problem for Carson in college. Finishing over much bigger players in the NBA is a huge question mark for Carson. Plus, he doesn’t have the best outside stroke to force defenders to play him tight, leaving open lanes to the basket. Another year at ASU might have benefited Carson because he could have taken the time to work on his outside game, along with his leadership and hustle. The main thing most sub-six-footers in the NBA do incredibly well is work hard all the time. They have a relentless motor. You don’t see many guys working harder for a longer period of time than Thomas, Robinson, and Patty Mills. NBA coaches and organizations can work with guys who compensate for their physical shortcomings (more puns!) with their work ethic.