On July 1, when the off-season negotiations officially begin, DeMarre Carroll will be at the center of free-agency. His glow won’t dull the light of LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, and DeAndre Jordan. But what happens to DeMarre Carroll, particularly if Phil Jackson is able to woo him to the Big Apple to play alongside Carmelo Anthony, is a NBA story line that will be just as relevant as Kevin Love’s decision to stay or go.
According to sources, DeMarre Carroll decided against a longer contract in 2013 when he signed with the Hawks. He put all of his economic marbles into one giant basket labeled: DeMarre Carroll.
In the free agent meetings with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and possibly the Los Angeles Lakers, to sum up a few of the suitors, Carroll’s representatives will reiterate his defensive identity, his toughness and his passion for the game. They will talk about how Carroll has overcome all odds as a late round pick waived several times to be a starting small forward in the NBA, the toughest position to defend.
May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) celebrates their win over the Washington Wizards in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Small forwards are versatile and athletic. They put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, showcasing a variety of moves. Or, they can drain a pull up three. And the best, are expert rebounders.
Every single night, DeMarre Carroll has to face a dominant athlete, an All-Star caliber talent. He has to take away what he does best. He has to guard Kevin Durant and Lebron James. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. And then Carroll has to incorporate his own offensive talents without the fugue of exhaustion weighing him down.
At $2.5 million dollars a year, DeMarre Carroll is in for a huge payday. It’s become a trend for middle-class players to opt for the 2-year deal. This gives them flexibility to elevate their earning potential in a short amount of time even as it poses a risk of injury.
But, frankly, how many players on short contracts get injured? Usually it is the players on longer deals who seem to be riddled over and over again with the injury curse.
DeMarre Carroll’s way of thinking is basic: nothing ventured, nothing gained. Or better yet, he knew he could trust himself.
But even Carroll was a surprise. From April 25th to May 5th he had the best ten days he ever had in his career. The Hawks played 6 playoff games, 3 on the road. Carroll left no doubt what he was capable of.
- April 25th: 33 minutes, 22 points, 6 rebounds, 75% fg, 60% 3-pointers
- April 27th: 43 minutes, 20 points, 9 rebounds, 53% fg, 80% 3-pointers
- April 29th: 42 minutes, 24 points, 7 rebounds, 53% fg, 40% 3-pointers
- May 1st: 23 minutes, 20 points, 5 rebounds, 87% fg, 75% 3-pointers
- May 3rd: 38 minutes: 24 points, 3 rebounds, 61% fg, 55% 3-pointers
- May 5th: 38 minutes, 22 points, 6 rebounds, 56% fg, 25% 3-pointers
In the playoffs, DeMarre Carroll led the Hawks in three point percentage (40%) and was second in three point makes behind Kyle Korver (29). Carroll took more shots than Paul Millsap and shot a higher percentage (48%). He played the second most minutes on the team. (Paul Millsap played 8 minutes more in the playoffs than DeMarre Carroll.)
Of the starters, Carroll had the fewest turnovers. Jeff Teague led the group with 43. Carroll had 15. His assist numbers (32) appear low only because Carroll makes the hockey assist, the pass that leads to another pass and then the score, rather than the score directly. He makes free throws and he defends without fouling.
But how effective was Carroll in the playoffs:
- Two Point Shots: 54%
- Three Point Shots: 40%
- 0-3 feet: 71% (career high)
- 3-10 feet: 38%
- 10-16 feet: 12%
- Long two’s: 22%
That DeMarre Carroll is at this place in his career is extraordinary. He was drafted by the Memphis Grizzies with the 27th pick and spent time in the D-League. After two seasons, the Grizzlies traded him to the Rockets in exchange for Shane Battier. Two months later the Rockets waived him. He then signed as a free agent with the Denver Nuggets. They waived him as well. Two years ago, he signed a free agent deal with the Hawks.
And so here he is, the beneficiary of all he has earned. Is it true he’d like to play for the Knicks because of his relationship with Derek Fisher? In July, we’ll know where his future takes him. What is true is that for 10 days in April and May, he was the Atlanta Hawks best player. For the entire playoffs, even after he was injured, he was the only consistent player the Hawks did not have to worry about.
When he signed with the Hawks in 2013, Carroll made a promise. Play each game as hard as he could, live up to his potential, and then, let the chips fall where they may. Now, he waits for the calendar. It will turn and in about thirty-three days DeMarre Carroll will reap the rewards of a great two years.