Sacramento Kings’ Devin Carter Struggles for Minutes Amid Team’s Transition
The Sacramento Kings are undergoing a significant transformation this season, shifting their focus from being potential contenders in the competitive Western Conference to reassessing their roster as the trade deadline approaches. As the team pivots towards a younger core, many fans and analysts are turning their attention to the development of emerging players. Yet, one name remains conspicuously absent from the conversation: Devin Carter.
Carter’s Underwhelming Performance
Carter’s statistics paint a stark picture of his struggles. In his nine appearances this season, he has averaged only 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, all while shooting a disappointing 32.3% from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc. While these numbers are concerning, it’s his minute allocation that raises eyebrows even more.
Currently, Carter is averaging just 9.6 minutes per game. However, this figure fails to account for the numerous games he has not played, known as DNPs (Did Not Play). When factoring in these absences, Carter’s total playing time for the season amounts to a mere 86 minutes over the Kings’ first 26 games. This translates to an average of just 3.3 minutes per game when considering his DNPs—hardly the output expected from a second-year lottery pick.
Comparative Analysis with Peers
To further highlight the disparity in playing time, a look at the performance of other first-round picks from the 2024 draft reveals an alarming trend. Excluding the injured Nikola Topić, Carter finds himself at the bottom of the list, with only DaRon Holmes—selected 22nd overall—playing fewer minutes. Most of his contemporaries are racking up hundreds of minutes, emphasizing the stark contrast in their development trajectories.
It’s important to note that labeling Carter a bust at this stage would be premature. However, the gap between his playing time and that of his peers is concerning. The Kings’ roster, crowded with guards, complicates matters further. Despite injuries to key players like Dennis Schröder and Zach LaVine, Carter has struggled to secure a consistent role in the rotation.
Inconsistent Opportunities
Carter’s sporadic opportunities have been puzzling, especially considering he showed promise during his limited minutes. A notable performance came when he scored 15 points in 21 minutes during a blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets. Yet, even after such a display, his minutes remained inconsistent, as evidenced by a subsequent DNP against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
G League Assignments for Development
In an effort to provide Carter with more playing time, the Kings have taken proactive measures by assigning him to the G League for short stints. This strategy reflects the team’s commitment to his development, allowing him to gain valuable experience and build confidence away from the pressures of the NBA spotlight.
As the Kings navigate a season of uncertainty, the focus on Devin Carter will be essential in understanding his future with the franchise. Fans and analysts alike are left to wonder when this promising young player will find his footing and emerge from the shadows, fulfilling the potential that led to his selection in the draft.
