Devin Carter’s NBA debut is nearing.
The Kings rookie guard has been cleared for unrestricted basketball activity following left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum on July 11, Sacramento announced Thursday.
Sacramento assigned Carter, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, to the G League Stockton Kings. He’s expected to play for Stockton on Saturday at Golden One Center.
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Kings have officially assigned Devin Carter to G League Stockton. The Stockton Kings will play in Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 26, 2024
Last season, Carter averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists along with 1.8 steals and 1 block per game at Providence, earning the 2023-24 Big East Conference Player of the Year award.
Prior to the 2024-25 NBA season, the two-way 22-year-old guard was projected to be a key defensive piece for coach Mike Brown, who is in the midst of spearheading a turbulent campaign in Sacramento.
The Kings currently sit at 13-17, having suffered four consecutive home losses and having won just four of their last 10 games, despite bolstering their backcourt with six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan and re-signing Malik Monk for four years.
NBA
For now, Carter’s focus is to continue his recovery process by easing his way back into shape in Stockton prior to a possible professional debut in the near future.
Nevertheless, Carter’s progress is good news for a Kings team struggling to stay above .500 in a season filled with high expectations.