Meet Kings rookie Devin Carter: Fan reaction, father’s influence and latest injury update

Rookie first-round draft pick Devin Carter can’t wait to play in front of Kings fans after receiving a warm welcome at Sacramento International Airport, but it’s still not clear when that will happen because of a recent shoulder injury.

Carter was joined by Kings general manager Monte McNair during his introductory news conference Tuesday at Golden 1 Center. When it was over, Carter told The Sacramento Bee he had a message for fans.

“You’re going to get somebody who’s ready to compete from Day 1, somebody who wants to put on a show with these guys both ways, offense and defense,” Carter said. “And not only that, but you’re getting a very well involved person in the community, somebody who gives back, somebody who never says no to fans, just a real humble player.”

The Kings selected Carter out of Providence with the No. 13 pick in last week’s NBA draft. The 22-year-old guard is 6-foot-3 ½ with a 6-8 ¾ wingspan and a reputation for defense. He was named Big East Conference Player of the Year after averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 47.3% from the field and 37.7% from 3-point range on 6.9 attempts per game.

“I think I’m the best defender in the draft class this year, so I’m definitely going to bring not only defense, but when it comes to defense, toughness, grittiness and a will to win,” Carter said.

Carter said he is eager to experience Sacramento’s cowbell-clanging crowd.

“I heard they’re the best fans in the country, so I’m excited to go out there and perform in front of them, win some games for them and make the playoffs,” Carter said.

On the night of the draft, McNair acknowledged that Carter was dealing with an unspecified shoulder injury. McNair said Carter’s status for the upcoming California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League was uncertain, saying the Kings wouldn’t know the nature and extent of the injury until he could be evaluated by team doctors in Sacramento.

On Tuesday, McNair said Carter will meet with the team’s medical staff this week to determine “the best course of action.” McNair said Carter’s status for summer league is still uncertain, but “long term we’re very positive about Devin’s outlook.”

Carter told The Bee he injured his left shoulder during a workout before the draft but provided few additional details.

“Just playing basketball,” he said. “Just an accident.”

Asked if he’s experiencing pain or discomfort, Carter said. “I’m feeling fine. I just want to get the team doctor’s opinion and go from there. I’d love to play in the summer league, but we don’t know any specifics on it yet.”

Carter was also asked about the greeting he received from Kings fans when he arrived at the airport.

“Man, it was electric,” Carter said. “They were ringing those cowbells. There was purple everywhere. I think my new favorite color might be purple now. It was great. I definitely feel welcome here.”

Carter was accompanied by his parents, Anthony and Cassie, and his girlfriend Naya. Carter’s father works as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies. He served as an assistant on George Karl’s coaching staff in Sacramento in 2015-16 after spending 13 years in the NBA with the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors.

Carter said he attended Creekview Ranch School while living in Roseville for nine months. He credited his father for his defensive acumen.

“It came from that guy right there,” Carter said, pointing to his father. “Throughout my whole life, I saw how he got on the court, which was by his defense. It kind of gets to be repetitive when you’re walking around basketball games and everybody’s like, ‘Your dad was a dog on the defensive end’ and stuff like that, so just trying my best to mimic that.

“At the end of the day, if you’re not scoring, if you’re not doing anything else, you can at least guard and take that personally. You want to give the coach a reason to play you and every coach wants somebody who plays defense, so I just pride myself on that end, but for me personally I think my defense turns into offense as well. If I get a stop or a block or a steal, I’m able to turn that into good momentum on the offensive end, and I think I feed off of that, too.”