The 2024 NBA Draft is here. The first round will be held on Wednesday, June 26, and, for the first time ever, the second round will follow on Thursday, June 27. Among this year’s class is Providence guard Devin Carter, who has garnered a lot of attention and has been mocked as a top-12 pick on Wednesday.
Devin Carter Draft Profile
Carter began his career at the University of South Carolina in 2021. While he played in 30 games, he only started seven. He averaged 18.7 minutes, 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Former head coach Frank Martin was dismissed, and Carter used this opportunity to transfer to the Friars. It paid off.
He started all 66 games over the last two years. In 2022, Carter took his first step forward, averaging 13.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He improved on these marks in his final season at Providence, averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. This helped him make the All-Big East First Team and be named the Big East Player of the Year.
Strengths
The 6-3 guard can play all over the backcourt as a team’s point guard or shooting guard. He brings lockdown defense to his high level of offense and has been praised for his hustle to extend plays or get back on defense. Carter shot 37.7% from three-point range last year, which just adds to his versatility. He does project more like a shooting guard than a point guard from his ability to finish at the rim.
Weaknesses
The biggest knock against him is his shooting motion. It is slow and has a tendency to lead to more blocks. Carter also hasn’t excelled when dealing with pressure. Whether it be double-teams or traps forcing his back to the rim, he is susceptible to turnovers. There is also some concern that his high motor and hustling causes him to play a little more reckless which could hinder his durability.
Player comparison: Jrue Holiday
Carter has been compared to Holiday because of how fast both play in the backcourt. Holiday was never the best player on his team, but he excelled at converting his opportunities when they came his way, helped to open up the offense, and played good defense to keep his team in games. We don’t know which team will select him come draft day, but many analysts are intrigued by the San Antonio Spurs pairing him with Victor Wembanyama.