NEW YORK, USA - JUNE 21: Tony Carr (R) is seen after being selected number fifth first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018 NBA Draft in Barclays Center in New York, United States on June 21, 2018. (Photo by Mohammed Elshamy/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Penn State guard Tony Carr with the 51st pick in the NBA Draft. Opinions on his ability and potential varied more than most draft picks. Some outlets had Carr projected in the mid twenty’s, while others barely had Carr being drafted at all. While most second rounders going to contenders usually do not contribute, Tony Carr could very well be an outlier.

The 2016 ESPN Top 100 had Tony Carr ranked 50th while Rivals.com 46th. 247 Sports had him ranked as the eighth best guard. During his final season in college Carr averaged 19.6 points, 5.0 assist and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 40.8 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from the 3-point line.

This was a large increase in percentage over his freshman season when Carr played 32.8 minutes per game averaging 13.2 points, 4.2 assist, and 4.8 rebounds. The dedication he showed to improving in this area is quite encouraging.

In his first NBA season, Carr could average the same per 36 numbers in what should be limited minutes. Carr scored 20 or more points 17 times last season. He also lead the Nittany Lions to an NIT title. Carr did not shy from the spotlight, scoring 15 points and dishing 14 assists in the championship game.

Carr should find some minutes. Walt Lemon Jr, Larry Drew, Josh Smith and Mike James got over 40 games combined for the Pelicans last season. Those minutes should be split between Carr and Frank Jackson, if either are on the roster.

The development of those two players could save Dell Demps some headaches. Having second rounders on small contracts to fill roster spots effectively is beneficial for any contender short of wily vets on minimums. If Carr can be eighth or eleventh in minutes played, and do so efficiently, his value would surpass his contract number.

As a 6-5 combo guard who can guard multiple positions, Carr can help the second squad’s defense just by having a competent body on the opposing teams second option. Second option because one figures Alvin Gentry will always have most established guard on the floor with Carr.

With a good summer league, Carr would make Jamal Crawford, Ian Clark or Frank Jackson more expendable. Contrarily, Carr’s regular season roster spot likely relies on excelling in Las Vegas.

Pelicans general manager Dell Demps said of Carr:

“He’s got a big hill to climb. Maybe he’s on our roster next year, maybe he’s not; I’m not sure. I think the most important thing is to not get ahead of it and see what he looks like when he comes in here.” “I think his size made him really appealing to us. He can make shots. He’s pretty crafty. His team played in a tough conference, and he was able to score at an elite level.” -Dell Demps on Tony Carr

The Warriors expose the weaknesses of the oppositions’ second team talent drop just as much as they overwhlem teams with star power. With the selection of Carr, Demps is looking to develop a tenacious guard to help support and protect the stars akin to Patrick Beverly (another slightly undersized, slightly unathletic second round pick).

The Pelicans second unit needs a player willing to take the initiative. Carr can engage within the offense off the ball to keep the team’s rhythm, and is able to make an open shot. The guard showed an ability to do so as the offensive focal point at Penn State even while having to create his own shot in stretches.

Carr expressed a willingness to learn the nuances of stepping up his game when the stars are on the bench and deferring when he gets some first team runs.

The Pelicans do not need Carr to guard Durant, Thompson or Curry. The more relevant questions are; Can Carr play adequate defense on Nick Young? Can he slow down Donovan Mitchell on a switch? Would Lonzo Ball, Rodney Hood, or Jamaal Murray dominate Carr to the point of rendering him unplayable, even for a minute?

Some slight Carr for a lack of athleticism. However, the rookie looked a half step ahead of most players in his sophomore season at Penn State, showing off his high basketball IQ. He led the offense and directed players to positions.

Players that are forced to constantly showcase their athleticism in college are out of position half of the time. Carr relies more on his understanding of the game rather than just raw athletic talent.

Carr was able to move defenders in the post and get around plenty of athletic defenders in the Big East. He can operate in the Pick-and-Roll, and has a knack for defending it. Plenty of players who lack athleticism can excel by playing smart and taking shots within the offensive flow. Carr has shown the game intelligence that will help the Pelicans second unit.

When asked to survive on pure athleticism, Carr should survive against most team’s third guards. NBA players will give him rough introductions to the league, but he is smart enough to keep himself out of those bad situations.

Any player with athleticism worth two steps, is worth nothing if he is always three steps behind. Carr has shown he will at least make opponents work for positioning and will rarely space out on plays.

A lack of athleticism can be overcome with effort and smarts. Carr has shown an abundance of both in his two years of college. Carr will never be asked to use his athleticism to carry the offense.

The clinical areas of the game like hitting open jumpers and the occasional drive to find a foul or layup. There is value in being a ‘glue guy’ teammate who knows to pass to the star behind the three-point line. Intelligence and fundamentals are Tony Carr’s vehicle to a long NBA career, not poor combine scores.