As the NBA offseason was winding down, the Sacramento Kings were hit with some unfortunate news regarding their lottery pick, Devin Carter. The young guard is set to miss a significant chunk of the upcoming season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. While the specifics of Carter’s injury were initially kept under wraps, it has now been revealed that he underwent a procedure to repair a torn left labrum.
With the surgery deemed successful, the Kings have provided an estimated timeline for Carter’s return to action. The team announced that a medical update will be given in approximately six months, which would put us around the middle of January. However, it’s important to note that this update doesn’t guarantee Carter will be ready to hit the court at that time, potentially sidelining him for a longer period.
Carter, who was chosen as the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, comes from a strong basketball background. After a standout junior season at Providence where he earned Big East Player of the Year honors, he entered the league with high expectations. The 22-year-old guard boasts an impressive skill set and was viewed as a key piece in the Kings’ future plans.
As Sacramento looks to navigate through this setback, they will rely on their existing guard depth to fill the void left by Carter’s absence. While De’Aaron Fox remains the starting point guard, the team made some moves in the offseason to bolster their backcourt. Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Malik Monk was re-signed to a lucrative deal, providing scoring punch off the bench.
Kevin Huerter, who has been a steady presence in the Kings’ backcourt, will need to step up his game after a dip in scoring efficiency last season. Keon Ellis, who saw increased playing time due to injuries, will also play a key role in the rotation. Additionally, the team added point guard Jordan McLaughlin to provide depth at the guard position.
With Carter expected to be sidelined for an extended period, Sacramento will need to rely on their depth and adapt to his absence. It will be a challenging start to the season for the Kings, but they will look to overcome this hurdle and compete in a tough Western Conference.
