Kings Rookie Cleared, NBA Debut Imminent

On Thursday, the Sacramento Kings announced that rookie point guard Devin Carter has been cleared for unrestricted basketball activity after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in mid-July.

Devin Carter takes another step towards his NBA debut.

pic.twitter.com/LPT3HhsEcC James Ham (@James_HamNBA) December 26, 2024 The 2024 No.

13 pick is the son of 13-year NBA veteran Anthony Carter .

Kings Rookie Devin Carter Cleared, NBA Debut Imminent As he hasnt played a game since dropping 27 points against Marquette in the 2023 Big East Tournament, the Kings arent just going to throw Carter to the wolves.

Hell play for the Kings G League affiliate on Saturday as he prepares to make his NBA debut, per FOX40 News reporter Sean Cunningham.

Kings have officially assigned Devin Carter to G League Stockton.

The Stockton Kings will play in Sacramentos Golden 1 Center on Saturday.

Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 26, 2024 However, Kings head coach Mike Brown has adopted a no expectations mindset for Carter, according to James Ham of ESPN1320 Sacramento.

I just want him to ball and have fun, he says.

I just want him to ball and have fun.

-Mike Brown on having no expectations from rookie Devin Carter, who has been cleared for basketball activities and is heading to Stockton for a G League assignment.

James Ham (@James_HamNBA) December 27, 2024 That shouldnt be hard for the 22-year-old, who has been around the game his entire life.

Nonetheless, Browns attempt to alleviate some of the pressure that Carter may feel is admirable.

For all of his success and experience as a basketball player, hes about to embark on a new journey.

Though he probably wants to be perfect from Day 1, there will be growing pains.

Theres no need for him to feel the weight of the world after every mistake.

The Elephant In The Room Another reason it makes sense for Carter to play on a G League assignment is that the Kings are reeling.

Theyre now 13-18, firmly 12th in the West, after blowing a lead against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

Browns rotations have been head-scratching.

His instructions have, at times, been ignored.

Mike Brown: I dont like the pace we had in the last six minutes.

I told our guys push it...drive it and kick it.

And we come to a complete stop with 6 minutes to go.

3 minutes to go we are rolling the ball and walking with it.

Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) December 27, 2024 Carter could help improve their perimeter defense but he probably wouldnt single-handed turn their season around.

In part because hed be hard-pressed to get minutes in the Kings crowded backcourt.

In any case, Sacramento has two elephants in the room.

The first is that they could miss the playoffs for the second straight year.

The second is that face of the franchise DeAaron Fox could push his way out of Sacramento if they dont turn it around soon.

Coming into a situation like this would have many players, not just rookies, on pins and needles.

Of course, if Fox does get traded, Carter could be in line for a promotion.

Ironically, that might increase the pressure.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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