The Sacramento Kings made a big splash this NBA offseason by signing former All-Star DeMar DeRozan, adding to their already impressive roster of high-functioning offensive players.
But before signing, they did something that will put them in a much better position in the long run: They signed Devin Carter.
Carter, a 6-foot-3 combo guard from Providence, is already considered an all-around player due to his scoring instincts (19.7 points), rebounding ability (8.7 per game) and defensive versatility (2.8 stocks per game last season). What makes him a strong player for the Kings is not just the fact that he can fit into the offensive identity the organization has built for itself – he can also provide a needed boost on the other end of the court and function in multiple lineups.
For Sacramento, it was never about avoiding defenders. The organization just went to great lengths to prioritize offensively capable players, and if they couldn’t defend, it wasn’t a big problem.
Carter is expected to step in and do what Davion Mitchell could not: consistently keep the field open, run an offense, and fit into the established scoring system while also becoming a plus in defending ball handlers.
Unfortunately, Carter will not be ready to start the season. He underwent shoulder surgery and an update is expected to arrive around January, meaning the rookie may not make his season debut until the late stages of 2024-2025.
(It could also mean that the Kings would rather keep him off the court for the entirety of next season until he recovers, but that would be asking too much.)
Regardless of whether Carter makes his debut this season or next, his potential and prospects for team integration are extremely promising, especially for a team that could use a little more two-way play.
Unless otherwise stated, all statistics on NBA.com, PBPStatistics, Cleaning the glass or Basketball ReferenceAll salary information about Spotrac. All Quotes courtesy of FanDuel Sports Betting.
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