2024 NBA Lottery Mock Draft: Blazers swing for upside, Spurs stockpile guards
By Reese Kunz
13. Sacramento Kings snag Devin Carter
Despite missing the playoffs this year, the Sacramento Kings appear to be in a win-now mode to maximize their window while stars De’Aaron Fox, 26, and Domantas Sabonis, 28, are both in their prime. Providence guard Devin Carter is one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft class and could make sense here at pick No. 13.
Carter tested exceptionally well in the NBA Combine, matching Reed Sheppard’s 42-inch vertical, among other impressive measurements, and has shot up draft boards as a result. In his Junior year, Carter averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game on 47/38/75 shooting splits.
If Carter’s three-point shooting is a consistent skill he now has, he will be a steal here for the Kings. He’s a well-rounded point guard who can make an immediate impact with his playmaking, on-ball defense, and high basketball IQ. Sacramento already has guard depth, but Carter is the best available prospect here who can also contribute immediately.
His athleticism and potential shooting ability should allow Carter to play both guard positions in the NBA, giving the Kings more lineup flexibility. If Carter reaches his ceiling, he could even wind up being the starting guard alongside Fox in the future, providing better defense than Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk.