It’s unusual to see a player three years after being a lottery pick signing an Exhibit 10 deal, yet on Monday morning, the Celtics did just that with Devin Carter, a talent from Providence. Carter’s journey to his third NBA season hasn’t been straightforward, but landing in Boston is an ideal scenario for him.
Everyone loves a comeback story, and Carter’s situation fits the bill: once a lottery pick who was quietly traded along with a future second-round pick and eventually let go, his early career struggles don’t quite fit the usual “bust” label. The Kings, despite a mixed record with drafts and poor roster decisions, never gave Carter much playing time during his two seasons there. As a lottery pick, it was never clear how he fit into Sacramento’s chaotic lineup.
While his shooting hasn’t yet matched the promise of his 38% three-point rate in college, and he’s occasionally been shaky handling the ball compared to his collegiate performance, Carter has shown flashes in the NBA. In 74 games, including 25 with 20 or more minutes, he has recorded 11 games with multiple steals and four games scoring over 20 points. Impressively, in those four high-scoring games, he shot over 50% from the field, hitting 60% overall.
Boston sees promise in those glimpses of potential and was motivated to offer him an Exhibit 10 contract. Particularly, his defensive ability, which was a big reason he was a lottery pick, remains evident.
Although Boston already boasts strong perimeter defenders—including Derrick White, a three-time All-Defensive Team member, promising youngsters like Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, and Ron Harper Jr., not to mention Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and rookie Dillon Mitchell—they still value adding depth at this position. Carter could further bolster an already deep defensive backcourt.
As a guard, Carter fits the profile of a ball-handling lead with good speed and pick-and-roll skills, though with White, Tatum, Payton Pritchard, and the steady Mike Conley ahead, his immediate chances to run the offense may be limited. Learning from Derrick White in particular could be invaluable for Carter.
While “garbage time” or G League minutes would likely offer the best learning environment, Carter’s rebounding and defensive prowess, especially his knack for steals and closing lanes, could earn him playing time in Boston. Offensively, he may need more patience and development.
Being in Boston is beneficial, as the team can prioritize his shooting development while still providing chances to play. Coach Joe Mazzulla is known for trying different rotations and starting lineups, rewarding players who defend, rebound, or hit open shots.
Looking ahead, Carter’s path might resemble that of Davion Mitchell, who also began as a Sacramento lottery pick, found his role running the offense with the Raptors, and reinvented himself as a strong defender and shooter with Miami, starting 70 games last season.
Given Boston’s crowded roster, it’s unrealistic to expect Carter to immediately claim a major role. Starting on a two-way contract seems likely, with a potential standard deal down the line, perhaps near the trade deadline.
Still, at 24 years old, Carter is a player with lottery-level talent from a strong draft class, and Boston can afford to be patient with someone who already possesses significant skills. Acquiring him without giving up draft picks or players could prove to be a brilliant move in hindsight.
Fans might soon wonder, “How did the Celtics snag him?”
Don’t hesitate to get excited about what Carter could bring wearing green. This appears to be a perfect match: a player in need of a clear direction paired with a team ready to nurture his strengths and give him time to improve.
Fan Take: This signing is a fascinating example of how a change in environment can reignite a player’s career, illustrating that development often requires the right fit more than immediate results. For basketball fans, Carter’s journey underscores the thrill of spotting hidden gems and the importance of patience in cultivating talent within a highly competitive league.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
