In what is being described as a significant setback for the Sacramento Kings, their recent acquisition Devin Carter, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder later this month. This development could have extensive implications for the Kings’ plans as the promising guard will be sidelined, preventing him from participating in the upcoming Summer League and potentially jeopardizing his availability at the start of the next NBA season.
The surgery is a blow to both Carter and the Kings, who have been hopeful about the young guard’s potential to make an immediate impact on the court. Carter has shown remarkable growth and promise through his collegiate career, which began at South Carolina. After a standout freshman season, he transferred to Providence, where he truly came into his own. Last season, he earned the prestigious title of Big East Player of the Year, thanks to his exceptional performances.
A Rising Star
Carter's statistics from last season are a testament to his potential. He averaged an impressive 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Additionally, he demonstrated his shooting abilities by hitting 37.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Standing at 6-foot-3, Carter is more renowned for his scoring prowess than for his playmaking skills as a point guard. Such a player is a valuable asset to any team, and the Kings were looking forward to seeing him bring these skills to the next level in the NBA.
Basketball talent runs deep in Devin Carter’s veins. His father, Anthony Carter, had a commendable 13-season career in the NBA, playing with six different teams. However, Anthony Carter's career also had a notable moment that indirectly contributed to NBA history. Due to an error by his agent, Carter became a free agent in the summer of 2003. This mishap freed up cap space for the Miami Heat, who subsequently signed Lamar Odom. Odom's acquisition eventually paved the way for the Heat to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Shaquille O’Neal in 2004. O’Neal's presence was instrumental in leading the Heat to an NBA championship in 2006.
Impact on the Kings
The Kings were undoubtedly looking forward to seeing how Carter could bolster their lineup, especially in the Summer League, which serves as an invaluable platform for rookies to showcase their abilities and gain experience. The absence of Carter in the Summer League means missed opportunities for him to adapt to the pace and style of NBA play, integrate with his new teammates, and develop under the coaching staff’s guidance ahead of the regular season.
Nevertheless, the prognosis post-surgery appears to be optimistic. While the surgery will temporarily set him back, indications suggest that Carter will not miss a significant portion of his rookie season. The Kings and their fans will be closely monitoring his recovery process, hoping for a swift and complete return to fitness.
Looking Ahead
Carter’s journey from South Carolina to Providence, and now to the NBA as a high draft pick, has been marked by resilience and a continuous upward trajectory. Despite this upcoming hurdle, both the Kings and Carter remain hopeful. For now, the focus will shift to his recovery and rehabilitation. Once he returns to full fitness, the spotlight will be back on his potential to contribute significantly to the Kings’ aspirations in the NBA.
Devin Carter’s story is one of promise and potential. While this injury is an unfortunate twist in his nascent NBA career, it is but one chapter in what promises to be an inspiring journey. The Kings and their supporters are looking ahead with anticipation, eager to see Carter’s eventual emergence on the professional stage.