A recent report by Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer revealed that Providence guard Devin Carter has potentially received a promise from a team with a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This exciting news comes as Carter gains significant buzz throughout the pre-draft process following an outstanding season at Providence. Known for his well-rounded game and thrilling on-court performances, Carter’s potential lottery selection underscores his rising stock among NBA scouts and executives.
One of Carter’s most notable attributes is his defensive prowess. As a lockdown point-of-attack defender, he excels at staying seated in his stance and relentlessly harassing opponents. His strength, length, and defensive mindset allow him to switch and effectively guard more prominent players, making him a versatile asset on the court.
This defensive tenacity is vital to why teams are eyeing him as a valuable addition to their rosters. Carter is not just a standout defender; he’s also an exceptionally active rebounder. His toughness in boxing out and awareness of rebound trajectories contribute to his effectiveness on the board. Additionally, his relentless hustle and willingness to do the little things on offense, such as cutting and running in transition, enhance his value. He’s poised to be a valuable screener, particularly in offenses involving inverted actions.
Offensively, Carter shines as an excellent at-rim finisher. He has a knack for making difficult layups against length and contact using either hand. His strength enables him to carve out space and convert below-the-rim layups from various angles. While he may not be an elite lead playmaker due to his lack of a dynamic handle, his selfless passing vision and ability to make slick interior passes and kickouts make him a reliable offensive connector.
His versatility allows him to run pick-and-rolls, attack closeouts, and excel in fast-break situations. This season, his three-point shooting significantly improved Carter’s game. After struggling in his first two seasons, he has elevated his three-point shooting percentage to 40%. Although his shooting form may be unconventional, it has proven effective. This improvement is crucial for his potential success at the next level, as becoming a reliable spot-up shooter will enhance his overall offensive effectiveness.
Adding to Carter’s intriguing profile is his lineage—he is the son of former NBA player Anthony Carter. This connection brings a deeper understanding of the game and professional experience to his skill set. However, there are areas where Carter needs to improve.
He struggles to handle pressure or double-teams, particularly when trapped in pick-and-roll situations or turning his back from the post. His dribbling into post-ups indicates a need for a more dynamic handle and a second gear to turn corners on defenders. Despite his improvement, questions remain about his shooting consistency, especially off the dribble.
Given his skill set and potential, several NBA teams make sense as fits for Devin Carter. The Memphis Grizzlies, known for their defensive intensity and need for versatile defenders, could greatly benefit from Carter’s abilities. The Utah Jazz, focusing on team-oriented play and defensive versatility, also present a suitable destination.
The Chicago Bulls, looking to bolster their defensive capabilities and add depth to their backcourt, would find Carter’s skill set appealing. Lastly, the Portland Trail Blazers, needing a dynamic and versatile guard, could view Carter as a valuable addition to their roster. In conclusion, Devin Carter’s potential promise from an NBA team is a testament to his remarkable growth and performance at Providence.
As he continues refining his game and addressing improvement areas, Carter is poised to make a significant impact at the next level. His defensive tenacity, offensive versatility, and improved shooting make him an exciting prospect for teams looking to add a dynamic and well-rounded player to their roster.
