Kings opt for Devin Carter at No. 13
The Sacramento Kings selected Providence guard Devin Carter with the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
Carter exploded in his junior campaign with the Friars after an underwhelming first two college seasons. The big jump was his outside shooting, as Carter shot under 30% from deep as a freshman and sophomore before hitting 37.7% this past year on significant volume. That part of his game opened up his playmaking and elite on-ball defense.
Measuring in with a massive 6-foot-9 wingspan at the combine only added to Carter's value as a defender. His combination of effort, athleticism, size, and skill on that end will give him an immediate niche from Day 1 in the NBA. If he's able to maintain his hot shooting from Providence, he could fit the bill as an upper-tier role player.
Bio
Position: Guard
School: Providence
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 193 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Max Vertical: 42 inches
2023-24 stats with Providence
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 47.3 | 37.7 | 74.9 | 8.7 | 3.6 | 19.7 |
Carter's rebounding tally is also significant for a 6-foot-2 guard. Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is the only other college backcourt player to put up those numbers on the glass as a 1st-rounder since 2010. His ability to box out, secure rebounds, and push the ball in transition can be useful at the next level.
NBA comparison: De'Anthony Melton. The pair of combo guards are both short in stature, but their massive arms enable them to guard up to the two and three spots defensively. Neither will be expected to be a full-time point guard, but they have adequate playmaking skills when called upon. And like Melton, who developed into a 38% 3-point shooter over the last four seasons, Carter will only reach his peak if the long-range jumper continues to fall.