In a serious blow to the Sacramento Kings, their new draftee, Devin Carter, is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder later this month. This procedure is a significant setback for Carter, who was picked No. 13 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and had high expectations riding on his debut professional season.
This surgery will inevitably preclude Carter from participating in the upcoming Summer League, a crucial period for rookies to showcase their skills and start integrating into their respective teams. There is also a looming uncertainty about his readiness for the start of the next NBA season, raising concerns among Sacramento's coaching staff and devoted fan base.
Carter, a 6-foot-3 guard, began his collegiate career at South Carolina where he demonstrated significant potential. However, it was his transfer to Providence that marked the turning point in his trajectory. His sophomore season at Providence was nothing short of spectacular.
A Standout Season at Providence
Last season, Carter's performance was electrifying. He averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, earning him the title of Big East Player of the Year. This accolade highlighted his all-around abilities on the court, especially his scoring prowess. Notably, Carter had a commendable shooting percentage of 37.7% from beyond the arc, making him a versatile offensive threat.
Basketball Runs in the Family
Carter's basketball journey seems almost destined, given his lineage. His father, Anthony Carter, had a noteworthy 13-season career in the NBA, playing for six different teams. Interestingly, an error by Anthony's agent catalyzed significant roster changes for the Miami Heat back in 2003. The mistake led to Anthony becoming an unplanned free agent, which in turn freed up cap space for the Heat to sign Lamar Odom. Odom's presence facilitated a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers that brought Shaquille O’Neal to Miami, a move that was instrumental in the Heat winning the NBA championship in 2006.
This fascinating piece of history reflects how intertwined the Carter family is with pivotal moments in NBA history. Now, Devin Carter is poised to create his own legacy, with high expectations from those around him.
Outlook and Recovery
The prognosis for Carter's recovery is optimistic, with expectations that he won't miss a significant portion of his rookie season. Nevertheless, the timing and nature of the surgery mean that the Kings will need to adopt a cautious approach, ensuring that Carter fully recovers before taking on the physical demands of the NBA schedule.
Renowned for his scoring ability rather than his playmaking skills as a point guard, Carter's role on the Kings will be highly anticipated. Sacramento fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will watch closely, hoping that he can quickly demonstrate the talent that earned him such a high draft pick.
While Carter's immediate setback is unfortunate, both the Kings and their fans can take solace in his potential and the promising signs of his recovery. The basketball world waits eagerly to see how this young guard will navigate this early career challenge and emerge to contribute to the Kings' aspirations.