Kings’ Devin Carter Available To Make NBA Debut

Kings lottery pick Devin Carter has been cleared to make his NBA debut, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. According to Charania (via Twitter), the rookie guard will be available to play on Friday when Sacramento hosts the Grizzlies, whose coaching staff includes Anthony Carter, Devin’s father.

The younger Carter was the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft after enjoying a big junior year last season at Providence, where he averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals in 35.3 minutes per game across 33 outings (all starts). He made 47.3% of his shot attempts from the floor, including 37.7% of 6.8 three-pointers per contest, and claimed Big East Player of the Year honors.

However, Carter’s NBA debut was delayed due to a left shoulder injury. He underwent surgery in July to repair a torn labrum, which prevented him from suiting up in Summer League, the preseason, or the first part of the NBA season.

Carter spent over five months recovering from the surgery and rehabbing, then made his G League debut for the Stockton Kings last Saturday. In a pair of appearances for Sacramento’s NBAGL affiliate, the 22-year-old racked up 46 total points, making 10-of-19 three-pointers (52.6%). He also filled up the box score by averaging 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game.

It’s unclear whether Carter will immediately earn rotation minutes for the Kings, who have relied on De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk this season to run the point and initiate the offense. DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis also spend a good deal of time with the ball in their hands, with backup point guard Jordan McLaughlin playing a relatively limited role.

Whether or not he gets regular playing time right away, having a healthy Carter available off the bench will give new interim head coach Doug Christie one more option in his backcourt.