Devin Carter: From Providence Standout to NBA Draft Prospect

The 2024 NBA draft is approaching, and one name generating buzz is Providence guard Devin Carter. After a stellar season with the Friars, Carter is hoping to make a splash in the NBA. This article delves into Carter's background, stats, strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in the league.

Background and Stats

Devin Carter hails from Miami, FL, and played college basketball at South Carolina (2021-22) before transferring to Providence (2022-2024). During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. His shooting percentages were impressive, with 56.3% on two-pointers and 37.7% from three-point range on 6.8 attempts per game.

Measurements

Carter's measurements at the NBA combine are as follows:

Height: 6'2.25" (without shoes)
Weight: 193 pounds
Wingspan: 6'8.75"
Standing Reach: 8'2"
Max Vertical Leap: 42 inches (tied for top mark)

Strengths

Carter possesses a combination of skills and attributes that make him an intriguing prospect:

Elite Defensive Guard: He excels at the point of attack, generating steals with quick hands and strength.
Rebounding Prowess: Carter rebounds exceptionally well for his position, utilizing his elite wingspan and jumping ability.
Versatile Defender: He can effectively guard multiple guard positions.
Skilled Driver and Finisher: Carter is a good line driver and finisher around the rim, adept at using strength to finish through contact and get to the free throw line.
Three-Dimensional Scorer: He is a high-level three-point shooter, making him a threat on offense from day one. His pull-up 3s fell at a respectable rate of 34%, giving encouraging signs that he can shoot it well on or off the ball.
Versatile Offensive Player: Carter can play either guard position offensively, always seems to be in the right position, and makes winning plays.
NBA Bloodlines: His father is former NBA guard Anthony Carter.
Transition Threat: One of the nation’s best players in transition, generating the most points through this play type all season.
Pick and Roll Playmaker: Has palpable chemistry with his bigs, times his break off screens well, and makes accurate pocket passes.

Weaknesses

Despite his strengths, Carter has some areas where he needs to improve:

Read also: The Growth of Devin Vassell

Undersized: At 6'2" without shoes, his height could limit his ability to guard bigger wings.
Scoring-Oriented: Carter is wired more to score than to pass, making him more of an off-ball guard.
Limited Mid-Range Game: While he is great outside shooter and finisher at the rim, he is limited in the mid-range, which could elevate his game to another level.
Turnovers: He turned the ball over quite a bit last year, partly due to a high usage rate. Carter plays incredibly fast and sometimes gets too sped up and makes mistakes.

Draft Range and Team Fits

Carter's draft range is projected to be between 9 and 20. Potential team fits include:

Miami Heat
Memphis Grizzlies
Sacramento Kings
Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia 76ers

These teams are looking for a versatile guard, particularly one who excels on defense.

Player Comparisons: All-Defensive Guards

To better understand Carter's potential role in the NBA, it's helpful to compare him to other defensive-minded guards who have earned All-Defensive team selections.

Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday came into the league with the hope of becoming a lead playmaker, but he quickly proved his value as a defender. Holiday's athleticism and length allowed him to be quick in passing lanes and on the ball. Carter coming into the league as a fantastic rebounder is something that speaks to his hustle, mentality, and physicality. He has the frame and ancillary skills to succeed in the NBA. What may separate him from achieving the same level of success as Holiday is the passing. Defensively, there is a real chance that Devin can wreak the same sort of havoc that we’ve seen Jrue inflict on the league.

Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart was known for his intensity on both sides of the ball. The biggest thing that allowed Marcus to see the NBA court on Day One was his strength. There may be no better sub-6’4” defender over the past 10 seasons than Marcus Smart. It’s unlikely that we will see Devin Carter replicate the same decorated career as Marcus Smart. It could be another 15 seasons before a guard is able to be recognized in the same manner. The strength that Smart was able to come into the league with is understated but not unimportant. It’s the length and strength of Smart that allowed him to defend the starting point guard in one game, and then match up against the opposing four in the next one. It may be even more unlikely that Devin is able to have the same level of playmaking thrusted upon him. That being said, Carter can still be a difference-maker in terms of versatility.

Read also: More on Devin Williams

Derrick White

Derrick White had a bit longer of a path than any player we’ve discussed to this point. The Derrick White outcome for Devin Carter may be possible on defense, but it may be difficult to be as efficient on offense. The possibility of being a career 4+ assist per game player may also be difficult for him to obtain. What is more likely is the 3.5 rebounds per game, as well as the steal outputs. Being more strong and athletic compared to Derrick may give Carter the ability to hold perimeter players to low three-point shooting, as well as stifle other players in the paint.

Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso is the lone undrafted player to grace this article. Despite being an RSCI Top 100 recruit, Alex had to fight his way into the NBA after a four-year college career at Texas A&M.

Phoenix Suns Fit

Assuming Phoenix does plan to build around its six core players that they’re in long-term position with contractually - Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale - Carter would fit in nicely as the top guard outside that grouping. Carter's defense is far better than both while offering elite positional rebounding, shooting gravity and efficiency at the rim. Neck-breaking pace of play fits perfectly.

Scouting Report Summary

Devin Carter is a promising NBA draft prospect with a unique blend of athleticism, defensive prowess, and offensive potential.

Strengths: Elite defender, exceptional rebounder for his size, versatile offensive game, improved three-point shooting.
Weaknesses: Slightly undersized, needs to improve mid-range game and reduce turnovers.

Carter's competitiveness and well-rounded game make him a valuable asset for any team seeking a versatile guard who can contribute on both ends of the floor. His ability to elevate his play in crucial moments and his strong work ethic suggest a high potential for growth in the NBA.

He is a hard-nosed defender with the athletic package, strength and long wingspan to make up for a slight size disadvantage against wings and bigger guards. Essentially an undersized wing defensively with playmaking and shotmaking capability to be a combo guard offensively. High-level vertical athlete with speed and explosiveness in the open court and in traffic, very quick feet on-ball defensively along with great instincts for stocks - fantastic athlete and feel for the game overall, enticing combination of elite-level attributes. Great finisher at the rim contact or otherwise, can handle the ball through contact and attacks with relentlessness. Timely cutter in the halfcourt, genuine lob threat on baseline cuts, not a surefire “great” shooter but made a huge jump this season.

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