The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is now complete and Devin Carter is a Sacramento King. Here’s what draft pundits and media are saying about Sacramento’s latest draft pick.
First off, Sam Vecenie from the Athletic, who probably does more draft research and scouting than just about anyone out there:
Devin Carter is one of my favorites in this draft class. His basketball character is off the charts. He’s an unbelievable competitor and possesses and insatiable work ethic that enabled his year-over-year improvements going back to high school. He’s an awesome defender who will be switchable and aggressive at the point of attack across the perimeter; those traits should be even more valuable if the NBA and its officials continue to allow as much physicality as they have since February. He reads the game very well, drastically improved as a shooter and has enough touch to believe he will continue to make long-range attempts even if his motion looks funky. He’s an elite athlete, too, who does all the little things one could ask of a player. I have a lottery grade on him and think he turns into the kind of guy every coach demands their front office pick up in the offseason.
Sure seems like the Kings have a type. Sacramento’s nabbed yet another impactful, defensive-minded guard, and at a great value at the end of the lottery. With a wingspan 6.5 inches longer than he is tall, Carter contests shots most players his size wouldn’t be in the vicinity of and jumps passing lanes to great effect. The Gary Payton IIs, Bruce Browns, and Derrick Whites of the league have created a model for success as dogged competitors with some juice on offense—Carter slots into that mold seamlessly. P3 Sports Science rates him as an elite athlete, with numbers in at least the 90th percentile across its various tests. The Kings are still in search of their versatile wing-sized stopper, but for a team with aspirations of contending, better to bring in a talent who has the skills and tenacity to help right away.
Ricky O’Donnell, SBNation NBA:
Carter earns high marks here for his tremendous defensive motor, improved shooting ability, and nose for the ball as a rebounder. He feels like something of an odd fit for a Kings team that could use more size, but his defensive potential gives him the ability to play with either De’Aaron Fox or Malik Monk. If the improvement in his shot holds, Carter should have a high floor with his length, elite athleticism, and defensive playmaking.
This is a straight A. Carter was one of my three favorite prospects in this class relative to expectations. He’s an elite competitor going to a team where he can help right away. You don’t bet against elite competitors. He stepped up big-time when Bryce Hopkins went down. He has an NBA pedigree, and he is ready to go.
Carter’s selection by Sacramento also received a decent amount of praise on social media.
There are no 50/50 plays when Devin Carter plays — they’re 90/10 in his favor.
Think Derrick White 2.0.
A tremendous pick for the Kings.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 27, 2024
Devin Carter is one of my favorites in the NBA Draft. A complete tone-setter. Does all the dirty work. Kings fans, you’re gonna love him.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 27, 2024
The @SacramentoKings got the steal of the NBA Draft.
Devin Carter was the most underrated player in NCAA basketball last season.
Now makes it all the way to No. 13.
I don’t think there are 13 better players.— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) June 27, 2024
For how the Kings offense works with De’Aaron Fox having the ball in his hands and being in control, on the perimeter you need a guy who’s going to embrace his role and do it to the best of his abilities. Devin Carter is that dude. Call it lucky 13 for Sacramento. STEAL.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) June 27, 2024
Guru @MavsDraft on Devin Carter and the Kings. pic.twitter.com/7Dlm4fZ92A
— Brett W. Huff (@bretthuff22) June 27, 2024
I love Devin Carter’s game. He does a little bit of everything on both ends, is a ridiculous rebounder for a guard, and has legit all-defense potential.
Wrote about him a bit this morning. Full story: https://t.co/lLTWFwI5Qk pic.twitter.com/7N1dleZwKz
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) June 27, 2024
The Devin Carter tape moves me. pic.twitter.com/fay1Q0MB5A
— Skyler (KFR) (@SacFilmRoom) June 27, 2024
The NBA Draft concludes tomorrow with the second round. The Kings still have the 45th pick remaining.