Carter finds ‘perfect’ home with Kings thanks to drive, family ties originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SACRAMENTO – The Kings added some needed defensive help and depth to an already crowded backcourt when they drafted Big East Player of the Year Devin Carter with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
Carter was a two-way star for Providence, leading the Friars in points, rebounds, assists and steals during his junior – and final – year in college. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound guard, who has the size to play small forward, had built a reputation for his defense before elevating his offense last season, which drove his draft stock up.
“Deep down in my gut, I felt that’s the team that I felt was going to pick me,” Carter said on a conference call with reporters at Golden 1 Center. “I felt like a had a very [good] workout with them, the meetings and everything with the decision-makers. Everything was just perfect in my eyes. I think we all clicked.”
That they did.
Kings general manager Monte McNair spoke glowingly about Carter, touting his versatility and overall approach.
“The exact type of guy that we always look for,” McNair said. “Intangibles on and off the court, the ability to play on and off the ball, play both ends, and frankly just a winner.”
Carter had been on NBA scouts’ radar for some time because of his defensive ability, and his popularity grew after the 2023-24 college season when Carter averaged career-highs for points (19.7), rebounds (8.7), assists (3.6), shooting percentage (47.3) and 3-point shooting (37.7 percent).
“Kind of the heartbeat of Providence this year,” McNair said. “Improved his shot. Somebody who’s always kind of popped to both our scouts and analysts just because of all the things he does on the floor.”
With the Kings, Carter likely will be used off the bench as a backup to point guard De’Aaron Fox in his first NBA season. Sacramento also has Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter and Keon Ellis ahead of him on the depth chart.
Still, it’s a pick that makes sense for the Kings.
After rumors swirled that the team might trade out of the…
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