In a significant blow to their offseason preparations, the Sacramento Kings will be beginning the 2024 NBA season without the services of their latest acquisition, Devin Carter. The No. 13 overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft is set for surgery on his left shoulder later this month, which sideline him from all Summer League activities and potentially affect his start to the regular season.
A Rising Star Interrupted
Devin Carter's journey to the NBA is a tale of remarkable growth and resilience. Originating from his collegiate start at South Carolina, Carter laid the groundwork for his reputation as a promising talent. However, it was his transfer to Providence that truly showcased his abilities. In his standout season there, Carter earned the title of Big East Player of the Year, a testament to his dominance on the court.
Last season, Carter averaged a stellar 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. His shooting was equally impressive, boasting a 37.7% success rate from beyond the arc. These statistics not only highlight his scoring ability but also his well-rounded contribution on both ends of the floor, solidifying his position as a notable prospect in the NBA Draft.
In His Father's Footsteps
Basketball prowess runs in Carter's family. His father, Anthony Carter, carved out a respectable 13-season career in the NBA, playing with six different teams. Anthony's career, while impressive, also features an intriguing anecdote that had significant ramifications for the Miami Heat's roster management. Due to an oversight by his agent, Anthony became a free agent in the summer of 2003. This oversight ultimately cleared cap space for the Heat, allowing them to sign Lamar Odom. Odom's acquisition would later facilitate a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers to bring Shaquille O’Neal to Miami—a move that was instrumental in the Heat's 2006 NBA championship win.
With such a remarkable lineage, Devin Carter's transition to the NBA was followed closely by many. Standing at 6-foot-3, he is celebrated more for his scoring prowess than for playmaking as a point guard, embodying a modern archetype of a dynamic guard. His versatility and robust statistics have set high expectations for his professional career.
A Setback, but Not Defeat
The upcoming surgery on Carter's left shoulder is an undeniable setback for both him and the Kings. Missing the Summer League is a considerable blow, especially for a rookie looking to assimilate into the professional environment. Moreover, there’s a risk that his start to the regular season may be delayed. However, the prognosis appears optimistic, and expectations are that Carter will not miss a significant portion of his rookie year.
Despite this hurdle, the Sacramento Kings and their fanbase remain hopeful. Carter's demonstrated resilience and talent provide a solid foundation upon which to build his NBA career. While the start may be rocky, the potential for growth and impact is undiminished.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA, setbacks are part and parcel of a player’s journey. For Devin Carter, the months following his surgery will be critical, not only for recovery but also for mental fortitude. Kings' management will undoubtedly provide the necessary support to ensure their young star can return to peak condition as swiftly as possible.
Only time will tell if Carter’s collegiate brilliance will seamlessly translate into the NBA. What is certain, however, is that the Sacramento Kings and their supporters have much to anticipate once their latest prospect is fully integrated into the team.
As his father Anthony's story illustrates, even unexpected twists can lead to historic outcomes. With Devin Carter's talent and a background deeply rooted in professional basketball, there is every reason to believe that this early career obstacle can become a stepping stone to future success.