2 days Ago
A year ago, to predict Carlton “Bub” Carrington as a one-and-done NBA draft pick would have far-fetched. To call him a first-round talent six months ago was still pushing it. His ascension to become one of this draft class’s most intriguing prospects reached its apex Wednesday night.
The Washington Wizards selected Carrington, a Baltimore native out of St. Frances Academy, with the No. 14 overall pick.
The Portland Trail Blazers originally owned the 14th pick but reportedly traded it , guard Malcolm Brogdon and a 2029 pick to Washington earlier Wednesday in exchange for wing Deni Avdija. The Wizards took French center Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick.
Carrington became the first player drafted out of Pittsburgh since Lamar Patterson in 2014. He’s also the first St. Frances graduate to be selected since Mark Karcher in 2000 and the fifth lottery selection out of the Baltimore Catholic League.
Prognosticators envision Carrington needing at least one to two years to make an impact and possibly earn a starting spot. That’s largely because, at 18 years and 11 months old — the youngest high-level college prospect in this draft class — he’s still filling out his 6-foot-4 frame. Scouts perked up at Carrington’s recent draft combine numbers.
He ran the 3/4 court spring in 3.28 seconds, the sixth best. His vertical jump was 36 1/2 inches, tied for 12th best.
Also, his off-the-dribble (21-for-30), side-by-side (19-for-25) and spot-up (20-for-25) shooting numbers w.
