Pick No. 8: San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors) select Devin Carter
After selecting Stephon Castle at No. 4, the San Antonio Spurs doubled down on two-way guards with Providence’s Devin Carter. Carter’s draft stock has risen significantly following a solid NBA Draft Combine. As a 22-year-old who played three seasons at Providence, Carter is one of the more NBA-ready prospects in the entire draft class, which could appeal to the Spurs if they want to accelerate their rebuild around Victor Wembanyama.
Carter averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and one block per game on 47/38/75 this season. His well-rounded game would be ideal as a complementary role piece in the Spurs' system, which values players with elite intangibles like Carter. His decision to return for his junior season at Providence seems to have paid off significantly. Carter increased his scoring from 13 to 19.7 points per game. He also improved his shooting efficiency, going from 29.9 percent to 37.7 percent from beyond the arc.
These increased statistics and solid measurements, such as his 42-inch vertical, should firmly put Carter as a lottery pick. If he can maintain his above-average three-point shooting in the NBA, Carter will be a steal for whatever team ultimately selects him.