Devin Carter’s NBA journey began with high expectations. The Sacramento Kings selected him with the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, envisioning him as a key connective piece. The Kings made their stance clear about Devin Carter weeks ago. So far, the signs look promising.
Early Promising Signs From Devin Carter Justify Kings Stance
Overcoming Early Adversities
His career got off to a rocky start. Carter missed the first 34 games of the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury sustained during a pre-draft workout. During Carter’s absence, the Kings struggled. A five-game losing streak led to the firing of head coach Mike Brown, despite his recent contract extension through 2026-27. The front office made a bold off-season move by acquiring for DeMar DeRozan via sign-and-trade to elevate the team into contention. Unfortunately, this gamble left the Kings in 12th place at the time. Assistant coach Doug Christie replaced Brown, sparking a turnaround. Since Christie’s promotion, the Kings have gone 6-1, and Carter’s debut has added to their momentum. He’s averaging 7.3 points per game on 50.6% true shooting, which translates to a per 36 average of 17.1 points.
Carter’s Pre-Draft Reputation
Carter was a draft steal for the Kings. Kevin O’Connor had him ranked as high as fifth on his draft board. Known for his defensive prowess during his freshman and sophomore years in college, Carter experienced an offensive breakout in 2023-24, leading his Conference with 19.7 points per game. This growth elevated his draft stock, making him one of the best two-way guards in the nation despite his 6’2″ frame.
Carter’s lateral quickness stood out in college. It allowed him to excel on both ends of the court, navigating screens with ease and defending the perimeter effectively. His ability to thrive in both ball-screen and spot-up situations made him a versatile offensive threat.
Promising Defensive Tools
Carter’s defense has already made an impact at the NBA level. His lateral quickness enables him to guard opponents effectively on the perimeter. He also excels in picking up players full court, disrupting opponents’ rhythm by forcing them into hurried offensive sets.
Carter’s understanding of when to go over or under screens is impressive. In the Kings’ recent win against the Warriors, Carter’s defensive intensity was evident as he hounded Stephen Curry, forcing him into difficult shots.
A Perfect Fit for Christie’s Up-Tempo Kings
Since Christie became head coach, the Kings have played at a faster pace. They rank 14th in pace for in the season but have climbed to seventh over the last five games. Carter thrives in this fast-paced style. His ability to grab defensive rebounds and ignite fast breaks has been crucial.
Carter averages 5.0 rebounds per game, ranking third on the team despite playing only 15.3 minutes per game. His 42-inch vertical allows him to secure rebounds with authority. This athleticism complements the Kings’ motion-heavy schemes, where Carter’s speed and decision-making create high-quality scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Offensive Potential and Room for Growth
Carter has displayed potential as a three-and-D player with room to grow offensively. He excels at attacking the rim and shooting from deep but lacks a consistent mid-range game. Improving his mid-range scoring and speeding up his shooting motion will help him reach his ceiling.
Carter’s athleticism and playmaking have already started to shine. He uses his speed to blow past defenders or create opportunities off pump fakes. His willingness to shoot from three is encouraging, and his vertical leap could eventually help him see over double teams to make better decisions.
The Kings’ Confidence in Devin Carter
The Kings view Carter as a cornerstone piece for their future. His versatility and two-way potential make him a valuable asset. Recently, the Kings labeled Carter untouchable in trade talks for Cameron Johnson, highlighting their belief in his long-term value.
Devin Carter’s early signs justify the Kings’ stance. With continued development, he could become a vital player in their pursuit of sustained success.
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