Sacramento Kings Face Setback with Devin Carter's Shoulder Surgery
In a significant blow to their roster plans, the Sacramento Kings have announced that their promising new talent, Devin Carter, will undergo surgery on his left shoulder later this month. Carter, selected as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is set to miss the entire Summer League and his availability for the beginning of the upcoming NBA season is now in question.
Devin Carter's journey to the NBA has been one of hard work and persistence. The guard originally began his collegiate basketball career at South Carolina. After a stellar freshman season, he transferred to Providence, where he truly emerged as a standout player. This past season, Carter's performances earned him the prestigious Big East Player of the Year award, highlighting his remarkable growth and undeniable talent.
On the court, Carter was a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, showcasing his versatile skill set. His proficiency extended beyond just scoring—he posted an impressive 37.7% shooting rate from beyond the arc, making him a significant threat from long range.
Basketball prowess runs in Devin's family. His father, Anthony Carter, had a commendable 13-season career in the NBA, playing for six different teams. Interestingly, Anthony Carter's name is also tied to a critical moment in NBA history. An agent's error rendered him a free agent in the summer of 2003, a mistake that had a wider impact than expected. The Miami Heat capitalized on the freed cap space to sign Lamar Odom. The signing of Odom subsequently facilitated Miami's acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, a move that was foundational to the Heat winning the NBA championship in 2006.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Devin Carter is known more for his scoring ability than his playmaking skills as a point guard. His knack for putting points on the board is what caught the eyes of scouts and ultimately led to his high selection in the draft.
Despite the setback of the upcoming surgery, the prognosis for Carter's return is optimistic. While his recovery will sideline him from the Summer League, there is hope that he will not miss a significant portion of his rookie season. The Kings and their fans remain hopeful that Carter will make a swift recovery and eventually show the same promise he exhibited during his college career.
As the Kings brace themselves for the initial absence of their new draftee, the focus will undoubtedly shift to ensuring a healthy and strong return for Carter. The young guard’s future remains bright, and the Kings hope he will soon demonstrate the scoring prowess and versatility that have defined his basketball journey so far.