Sacramento Kings' Rookie Devin Carter to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
In a disappointing turn of events for the Sacramento Kings, Devin Carter, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder later this month. This procedure is expected to keep the promising guard sidelined for the upcoming Summer League, and possibly jeopardize his availability for the start of the ensuing NBA season.
The news comes as a significant blow to the Kings, who had high hopes for Carter following an impressive collegiate career. Carter began his journey in college basketball at South Carolina, and after a standout freshman season, he transferred to Providence where he truly came into his own. Last season, he was recognized as the Big East Player of the Year, which underscored his development and burgeoning potential.
Rising Star with Strong Pedigree
Carter's stats from his last season at Providence are a testament to his all-around game. Averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, Carter showed he could be a force on both ends of the court. His shooting performance was commendable as well, converting 37.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc, indicating his capability as a reliable perimeter scorer.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Carter is known more for his scoring prowess than his playmaking abilities as a point guard. However, his improvements in other areas of his game reflect his potential to grow into a more versatile player at the professional level.
Basketball talent runs deep in Devin Carter’s family. His father, Anthony Carter, enjoyed a commendable 13-season career in the NBA, making his mark with six different teams. The elder Carter’s NBA journey was not without its drama. In the summer of 2003, an error by Anthony Carter’s agent led to him becoming a free agent, an unintended consequence that had seismic implications for the Miami Heat’s roster management. This error freed up cap space that the Heat used to sign Lamar Odom, a move that later enabled Miami to trade Odom to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Shaquille O’Neal in 2004. O’Neal's presence was a catalyst for the Heat, who went on to secure the NBA championship in 2006.
Optimistic Prognosis
The prognosis regarding Devin Carter’s shoulder surgery is generally optimistic. Although he will miss the Summer League, it is hoped that he will not be sidelined long enough to miss a significant portion of his rookie season. This optimism buoys the Kings and their fans, who anxiously await seeing their latest draftee in action and contributing to the team's success.
The Kings are undoubtedly looking forward to integrating Carter into their lineup. With his dynamic scoring ability and the pedigree of his NBA lineage, Carter has the potential to make an immediate impact once he returns to full health. His journey from collegiate standout to NBA rookie may have hit an early obstacle, but his future remains bright.
For now, the Sacramento Kings and their supporters will closely monitor Carter’s recovery, hoping that his time away from the court is brief and that his much-anticipated debut in the NBA is merely delayed, not derailed.