Contrarian Corner: Why I’m Holding (and Buying More) Devin Carter Stock

Let me just say it upfront: I’m all in on Devin Carter. I’ll keep holding my stock and even buy more, and here’s why.

Doug Christie’s vision for the Kings is: fast, defensive-first, and relentless full-court pressure. Sound familiar? That’s Devin Carter in a nutshell. He’s a Grade-A disruptor, lightning-quick, and embodies the identity Doug is trying to instill. Fun fact: Devin is ranked as the fastest player in NBA 2K this year. Sure, 2K isn’t gospel, but it’s another data point that hoops heads believe in his ability to fly up and down the court.

Now, we’ve got a few other guys who check some of those boxes—Keegan Murray being the best example. He’s the team’s top defender, willing to pick up full court, and does just about everything you’d want in this system. Is he fast? Not particularly, but he makes up for it in other ways. Then there’s Keon Ellis and Nique Clifford, who both have the potential to be exactly what the next great Kings team needs. Keon has already proven it, but that’s a topic for another day. In theory, a foursome of Devin, Keon, Nique, and Keegan makes a lot of sense.

But let’s back up for a second—where did Devin Carter come from? Why isn’t he playing more? And what does the fanbase think of him?

Devin Carter’s Pedigree and Potential

Devin Carter has basketball in his blood. He’s the son of former player and current Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Anthony Carter. Coming out of high school as a 3-star recruit, Devin played his college ball at Providence, where he averaged nearly 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists per game.

The Kings’ previous regime, Monty McNair and Wes Wilcox, selected him with the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft—a pick many (myself included) considered a steal. He was touted as the next Jalen Suggs, a lockdown point-of-attack defender with ideal length, mindset, and versatility. He could switch onto bigger players, rebound like a big man, and do all the little things on offense—cutting, running in transition, and being a connector. Think early Jalen Suggs or Derrick White: not a lead guard, but a perfect 4th or 5th option on the floor.

Unfortunately, injuries and a crowded backcourt limited his rookie season to just 36 games and 11 minutes per game.

Year Two: A Tough Situation

Fast forward to year two: A new front office prioritized finding a true point guard, signing Dennis Schröder. Then came the curveball: Russell Westbrook.

With Schröder as the starting point guard, Malik Monk as a backup, and Keon Ellis soaking up some minutes (when he can), there wasn’t much room for Devin. And then Russ came in and, to his credit, has been the team’s most consistent point guard so far.

Doug Christie has tried to get creative to find minutes for Devin, but the circumstances are tough. He’s played sparingly this season, and it’s hard for a defense-first player to make an impact offensively without consistent reps or clear expectations.

Why Devin Still Deserves a Shot

Despite the lack of playing time, Devin has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity. Below are some notes I took earlier in the season highlighting specific impact plays Carter made: 

Preseason Highlights

Game 1 vs. Raptors:

4th Quarter:

• 11:30, Devin moves to cover a bigger player, forcing a turnover and creating a fast-break bucket.
• Further evidence, this dude does stuff that doesn’t show up in the box score.
• 5:45, 4th Quarter: Immediately forces a turnover on an inbound play.
• 2:47, Saves a free throw miss, grabs the offensive rebound, and dishes it to Nique, who sets up Caldwell for the dunk.
• :57,: Nails a three-pointer for good measure.
• Final stat line: eight points, three boards, three assists, and a steal in 16 minutes 

Oh yeah, finishes with a + 10 despite the Kings losing by 8. Just look at his beautiful heat map of effectiveness.

Game 2 vs Blazers:

3rd Quarter

• 3:13, Picks up full court and draws an offensive foul on Blake Wesley.
• :32, Battles for an offensive board, comes up with a steal, but unfortunately travels right after. (Hey, the dude needs reps!)

4th Quarter:

• 11:03, Boxes out a bigger player for a rebound, drawing an over-the-back foul.
• 9:30,: Nice drive and floater out of a timeout—yes, he can score!
• 8:05, Another smooth floater, showing control and confidence.
• 3:51,Pushes the pace and sets up Isaiah Steffens for free throws.
• 2:31, Runs the floor with Nique and finishes with an easy dunk.

Game 3 vs. Clippers:

4th Quarter

• Devin is playing without a true point so he’s the guy. Looks a little clunky but drives and kicks a pass out to Demarr for a rare 3 at the 10:54 mark. He can be a secondary ball handler and facilitator!
• 10:34, Out-hustles everyone for a rebound and sets up Plowden for a missed three. Right play, wrong result.
• 7:03, Hits a decisive floater while working out of the post.
• 2:39, Anticipates a play, gets a steal, and scores end-to-end.

Game 4 vs. Lakers

1st Quarter

• 4:08, Pushes the pace and sets up Keon for a corner three.
• 1:33, Drives into the paint and kicks to LaVine for another made three.

4th Quarter

• 1:09, Grabs a sick putback rebound, showing hustle and determination.

Regular Season Highlights

Game 4 vs. Thunder:

1st Quarter

• 1:33, steal!
• End of 1st Quarter: Contests SGA’s shot to force a miss.

2nd Quarter

• 11:14, Quick, decisive pass to Keon for a triple.
• 11:03, 2nd Quarter: Another steal.
• 9:02, Offensive rebound and putback dunk.
• 7:48, Saves a possession, keeps the ball in play, and draws a foul (2-2 at the line).

Game 5 vs. Bulls:

1st Quarter

• 1:24, Makes a slick pass to Russ for a three.
• 11:33, Tips out an offensive board to Monk to keep possession alive.

4th Quarter

• 11:00, beautiful Block on Buzelis’ jumper attempt

The Bigger Picture

Why did I record all of these notes and cover the minutiae of his small stints? Is it because Devin Carter is a perfect player? No. Because I’m a sicko? Mostly. But the real reasons are that Carter’s intangibles—hustle, defense, and basketball IQ—are exactly what this team needs. The problem is, he hasn’t been given a real chance to prove himself. Part of this lack of opportunity stems from his offensive inefficiency to date, as well as his eagerness to make an immediate impact on the court—playing with the constant fear of the old Weird Al Yankovic (getting pulled). Devin’s shooting has been, well, putrid: 23% from the field and 18% from deep this season. On top of that, he’s not a prototypical point guard, and his playmaking and ball-handling still need work.

As trade rumors swirl, I’m genuinely worried the Kings will use Devin as salary filler and watch him thrive elsewhere as a defensive menace. We’ve seen it happen before—just look at Davion Mitchell in Miami. I’d hate to see history repeat itself.

Why Devin is My Mane Man

One last thing: can we talk about the hairline slander? Devin has been clowned online for his hairline since he entered the league, so much so that he’s now rocking a headband to hide it. What’s wrong with people? Male pattern baldness is real, and the dude is going through it—don’t you think he knows this?

For the record, Devin is a beautiful man. For example, let’s look at Walton Goggins—his hairline hasn’t stopped him from becoming a sex symbol and one of the most in demand guys in Hollywood. The Righteous Gemstones, Fallout, and The White Lotus just to name a few. The difference? PR. Devin, call me—I’m a marketer by trade.

The Final Push

Devin Carter isn’t just a player; he’s a mindset. He’s the kind of guy who does the dirty work, makes winning plays, and embodies the identity Doug Christie is trying to build. I’ll keep buying stock and building out the community on Carter Island. Who’s coming with me?

Smooches,

Contrarian Corner