Bulls guard Jevon Carter deserves increased opportunity

When Jevon Carter signed with the Chicago Bulls over the summer, he was hoping for a chance to showcase his skills and help get the team he grew up rooting for back in the playoffs.

And on Friday night, the Oak Park, Ill. native was able to turn back the clock to his WVU college days, helping the Bulls' carry momentum into the NBA's play-in tournament. Chicago beat the Washington Wizards 129-127, largely thanks to Carter's 20-point double-double. 

Carter's season-high scoring output came while leading the team in minutes played and shooting a relatively efficient 8-of-15. He added 12 assists and a couple rebounds. With the win, Chicago moved to 39-42 on the season, sitting comfortably with ninth place in the Eastern Conference and home court advantage for the play-in tournament locked up.

Even though Carter wasn't blessed with the playing time he expected this season, he's been staying upbeat and is focused on doing whatever he can to win. He recently talked about being ready whenever his number is called.

"Am I surprised? Yes," Carter said. "I don't know, man. I just want to play ball. Whenever my name is called, I'll be ready."

Carter has been invaluable to the Bulls in ways that production can't quantify. Carter even talked about feeling ready to be a veteran leader on a team for the first time in his NBA career during his introductory media session in October. And Carter's big game shows he can still deliver when called upon.   

"What I bring to the table is really going to help this team. I just want to win," Carter said with conviction when asked what he offers the Bulls. As one of the more veteran players on the roster, Carter also expressed an understanding of his role on a young team.

Next up for Carter and the Bulls is a regular-season closing date with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. After that, Carter will be able to take his homecoming season in Chicago to another level if the Bulls can get through the play-in tournament and into the actual playoffs.  

If the Bulls are smart, they will continue to unleash Carter and let him cook some more in games that matter the most.