In a significant blow to the Sacramento Kings, their recent draft acquisition, Devin Carter, is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder later this month. This development puts a damper on the team's immediate plans for their promising young guard. Selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Carter was expected to showcase his talent in the upcoming Summer League. However, his participation is now off the table, and his availability for the start of the next NBA season remains uncertain.
Carter's journey to the NBA has been noteworthy. He began his collegiate basketball career at South Carolina, displaying early promise. Following a standout freshman season, he transferred to Providence, a move that proved pivotal for his development. At Providence, Carter's game flourished, culminating in a stellar season where he was named Big East Player of the Year. His remarkable statistics—averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game—highlighted his versatility and scoring capabilities. Additionally, his 37.7% shooting from beyond the arc underscored his proficiency as a shooter.
Basketball talent runs deep in Carter’s lineage. His father, Anthony Carter, enjoyed a commendable 13-season career in the NBA, playing for six different teams. However, beyond his on-court achievements, Anthony Carter's career is also remembered for an off-court mishap. An error by his agent led to Carter becoming a free agent in the summer of 2003, a turn of events that altered the Miami Heat's trajectory. With the cap space freed up from Carter's unplanned free agency, the Heat signed Lamar Odom. This acquisition was instrumental in Miami’s subsequent trade of Odom to the Los Angeles Lakers for Shaquille O’Neal in 2004. O’Neal's presence was pivotal in leading the Heat to an NBA championship in 2006.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Devin Carter is primarily known for his scoring prowess rather than his playmaking skills as a point guard. His ability to rack up points efficiently makes him a valuable asset for the Kings. Despite the current setback, the prognosis for Carter is optimistic. There's hope that he will not miss a significant portion of his rookie season, allowing him to make an impact sooner rather than later for the Kings.
The timing of Carter's surgery is unfortunate, yet the Kings and their fans will be anxious to see how the young guard recovers and integrates into the team. With a lineage rich in basketball history and a collegiate career that promises great potential, Devin Carter's journey in the NBA is one that many will be watching closely.