D.J. Carton
Updated as of 7/31/2021, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2021 rankings were finalized on 7/29/21.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
College: Marquette
Classification: Sophomore
Birthdate: 8/5/2000
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
Pros:
Decent scorer off the dribble
Adequate playmaker
Adequate rebounder for his size
Decent defender
Good athlete
Cons:
Needs to improve his shooting
Can struggle to score in traffic
Can be careless on offense, which can lead to turnovers
Can be too passive on offense
A bit undersized at the point
Needs to add strength
Summary:
D.J. Carton is an athletic, skilled playmaker that has a variety of skills that could prove to be useful at the next level. When he is on his game, he is a versatile shot maker that can capably run a team’s offense at the point. He had a solid freshman season at Ohio State as he made 48% of his field goals and 40% of his three-pointers, and he showed some real promise as a prospect for the NBA prior to transferring to Marquette.
Carton’s strong athletic gifts still could make him a viable NBA prospect, but he just hasn’t played nearly as well as he is capable of playing as a sophomore this season. In his first 4 games at Marquette, he’s only made 34% from the field and has made just 19% of his three-pointers, and he has not displayed any of the shooting touch he put on display when he was at Ohio State.
Carton also has shown flashes of his playmaking skills where he can dazzle and get an assist, but he is also entirely too turnover prone, and in his 24 games in his career to date, for a 6-2 point guard, his Assist to Turnover ratio is barely above 1 to 1 for his collegiate career, which is nowhere near as good compared to most of the other point guard prospects. Right now, D.J. Carton is a talented prospect that has shown a glimmer of his potential as a player, but his inconsistent shooting and questionable decision-making skills could make him a risky pick anywhere above the mid to late second round range for the 2021 draft.
Links:
RealGM Profile
NBADraft.Net Profile
DraftSite Profile
YouTube via Big Ten Network of Ohio State-Kent State’s Highlights
YouTube via Matthew Loves Ball’s Highlights of the 1/11/20 Ohio State-Indiana Game
ESPN’s Article on Carton Transferring to Marquette
Busting Brackets’ Article on Carton’s Eligibility, Granted Waiver to Play in the 2020-21 Season
NBA G-League’s 2021 G-League Elite Camp Player Measurements
Games Scouted:
12/5/20 Marquette vs. Oklahoma State
If you use any portion of this material, please credit NBA Scouting Live.
