In what could be a significant blow to the Sacramento Kings' upcoming season, their recent first-round draft pick, Devin Carter, is scheduled to undergo surgery on his left shoulder later this month. Carter, chosen 13th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, is set to miss out on the highly anticipated NBA Summer League and might even miss the start of the next NBA season.
A Promising Start Cut Short
The young guard's journey has been nothing short of impressive. Devin Carter began his collegiate basketball career at South Carolina, but it was his tenure at Providence where his potential truly shined. After a standout freshman season, Carter transferred to Providence, an environment that seemed to unleash his full potential.
His performance last season was nothing short of stellar, earning him the coveted title of Big East Player of the Year. He averaged a remarkable 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, showcasing not only his scoring ability but also his versatility on the court. Carter’s shooting prowess from beyond the arc, where he managed a commendable 37.7%, further highlighted his well-rounded offensive skills.
Basketball in His Blood
For Devin, basketball is more than just a game; it's a family legacy. His father, Anthony Carter, boasts a commendable 13-season career in the NBA, playing with six different teams. However, Anthony's career was also marked by an infamous error. In the summer of 2003, a mistake by his agent led to Carter becoming a free agent unexpectedly. This oversight had a significant impact on the Miami Heat's roster management, providing them with the cap space to sign Lamar Odom. Odom's presence would prove pivotal, as Miami leveraged him in a trade to acquire Shaquille O’Neal from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004—a move that was instrumental in the Heat's path to winning the NBA championship in 2006.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Devin Carter has always been recognized more for his scoring ability than his playmaking skills as a point guard. His knack for putting points on the board has been the cornerstone of his game, and it's one of the reasons the Kings were eager to bring him into their fold.
Optimistic Prognosis
The news of Devin Carter's surgery has raised concerns among Sacramento fans, but the prognosis remains optimistic. Despite the setback, indications are that Carter will not miss a substantial portion of his rookie season. While his absence from the Summer League is a significant loss, it’s a small price to pay if it ensures his long-term health and readiness for his professional debut.
As the Kings' medical team prepares for Carter’s surgery, the organization and its fans are left to hope for a speedy recovery. The guard’s potential impact on the team is immense, and his absence at the start of the season will certainly be felt. But if history and his collegiate performance are anything to go by, Devin Carter’s future in the NBA looks exceedingly bright, and his return to the court could ignite some much-needed excitement in Sacramento.
In the world of sports, injuries are an unfortunate reality, but it's the resilience and determination of athletes like Carter that continuously inspire and excite fans. As he embarks on this challenging period, Devin Carter will undoubtedly draw strength from his family legacy and his undeniable talent, aiming to carve out his own name in the annals of NBA history.