Source: Kings rookie first-round draft pick Devin Carter will undergo shoulder surgery

Jason Anderson
·2 min read
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Sacramento Kings rookie first-round draft pick Devin Carter could be sidelined for months due to the shoulder injury he suffered prior to the NBA draft.

The Kings have yet to disclose the nature and extent of the injury, but Carter will undergo surgery in the coming days, a league source told The Sacramento Bee. Carter’s status for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season is uncertain, but he is expected to make a full recovery with no long-term issues.

Carter, the No. 13 pick in June’s NBA draft, was previously ruled out for the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League. Now, it seems, the 22-year-old combo guard from Providence could miss training camp and the start of the regular season as well.

The Kings made a move to add a backup point guard late Saturday night when they signed Jordan McLaughlin, who was a free agent after five seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sacramento needed another option behind De’Aaron Fox after trading Davion Mitchell to the Toronto Raptors.

Carter 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 last season 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.

On the night of the draft, Kings general manager Monte McNair acknowledged that Carter was dealing with an unspecified shoulder injury. McNair later said Carter would meet with the team’s medical staff to determine “the best course of action.”

McNair admitted Carter’s status for summer league was in question, but “long term we’re very positive about Devin’s outlook.”

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

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

When asked if he was experiencing pain or discomfort, Carter said: “I’m feeling fine. I just want to get the team doctor’s opinion and go from there.”