Kings Rookie Cleared, NBA Debut Imminent

The 2024 No. 13 pick is the son of 13-year NBA veteran Anthony Carter.

Kings Rookie Devin Carter Cleared, NBA Debut Imminent

As he hasn’t played a game since dropping 27 points against Marquette in the 2023 Big East Tournament, the Kings aren’t just going to throw Carter to the wolves. He’ll play for the Kings’ G League affiliate on Saturday as he prepares to make his NBA debut, per FOX40 News reporter Sean Cunningham.

However, Kings head coach Mike Brown has adopted a “no expectations” mindset for Carter, according to James Ham of ESPN1320 Sacramento. “I just want him to ball and have fun,” he says.

That shouldn’t be hard for the 22-year-old, who has been around the game his entire life. Nonetheless, Brown’s attempt to alleviate some of the pressure that Carter may feel is admirable. For all of his success and experience as a basketball player, he’s about to embark on a new journey.

Though he probably wants to be perfect from Day 1, there will be growing pains. There’s no need for him to feel the weight of the world after every mistake.

The Elephant In The Room

Another reason it makes sense for Carter to play on a G League assignment is that the Kings are reeling. They’re now 13-18, firmly 12th in the West, after blowing a lead against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. Brown’s rotations have been head-scratching. His instructions have, at times, been ignored.

Carter could help improve their perimeter defense but he probably wouldn’t single-handed turn their season around. In part because he’d be hard-pressed to get minutes in the Kings’ crowded backcourt.

In any case, Sacramento has two elephants in the room. The first is that they could miss the playoffs for the second straight year. The second is that face of the franchise De’Aaron Fox could push his way out of Sacramento if they don’t turn it around soon. Coming into a situation like this would have many players, not just rookies, on pins and needles.

Of course, if Fox does get traded, Carter could be in line for a promotion. Ironically, that might increase the pressure.