Devin Carter ignites the Kings' offense, exploding for 19 points per game and showcasing elite shooting to seize a crucial long-term role.
Sacramento Kings second-year combo guard Devin Carter has looked like a completely different player over his past three games, averaging 19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals on stellar 52-46-83 shooting splits.
Carter has seen a large increase in minutes due to the mounting Kings' injuries in the backcourt, including the most recent diagnosis to veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, who was ruled out indefinitely Wednesday with a toe injury.
Last Tuesday, against the Indiana Pacers, Carter set off on his three-game heater, scoring a team-high 24 points in just sixteen minutes, providing instant offense off the bench. 22 of his 24 points came in the fourth quarter.
Sacramento (19-54) entered the fourth quarter trailing by double digits, but caught fire with Carter's performance, outscoring Indiana 42-27.
Carter was extremely efficient, making 9-of-13 shot attempts and knocking down 75%(3-4) of his 3-point attempts.
He followed up this explosion with back-to-back scoring outputs of 16 or more, knocking down another trifecta of 3-point attempts Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets.
Carter's improved 3-point shooting is an extremely promising sign for the Big East product, who shot just 8.8-percent (3-31) from beyond the arc in February.
However, Carter's confidence never wavered, as he told media following his 22-point fourth quarter.
"You know, I get a lot of shots up. Obviously, I haven't been shooting the way I know I can shoot this season," Carter said. "But, I try not to lose the confidence and I hope it showed tonight."
The Kings selected Carter at No. 13 overall in the 2024 in the wake of his Big East Player of the Year season at Providence. Carter spent his freshman season at South Carolina, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors before transferring to Providence for two seasons.
His recent play as of late, alongside the emergence of rookie big man Maxime Raynaud and rookie wing Nique Clifford put the Kings in an interesting situation as the NBA Draft approaches.
This draft is one of the deepest and most talented lotteries in recent memory and with the Kings' 19-54 record planting them in last place in the Western Conference, Sacramento is firmly in the running for a top-three selection.
Roundtable's Dean Simon reported Monday that the Kings are reportedly "really big fans" of Arkansas standout point guard Darius Acuff, who has gained steam as a possible National Player of the Year candidate.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is also a potential option if the Kings feel set in the front court, as he has been a consensus top-five pick all season long. Simon also listed Houston guard Kingston Flemings as another option should the Kings fall out of the top five.
If the Kings end up drafting an elite guard prospect in the top five, Carter's role becomes a bit murkier, however his play as of late should at least warrant conversation for extended minutes going forward.
With Westbrook and freshly-signed Killian Hayes both out for the time being, Carter will command the back court with additional opportunities to make a lasting impact.
If the Kings draft an elite guard prospect in the top five, Carter’s role could become less defined. However, his recent play should at least warrant consideration for extended minutes moving forward.
With Westbrook and newly signed Killian Hayes both sidelined for the time being, Carter will have the opportunity to take command of the backcourt and make a lasting impact.
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