The NBA draft is approaching rapidly, and speculation surrounding the Toronto Raptors’ 19th overall pick is intense. As mock drafts evolve and teams evaluate prospects, one name gaining attention is Devin Carter from Providence.
However, there’s a twist: Carter’s draft stock might be soaring beyond the Raptors’ reach at 19.
Why Carter? For starters, he’s the son of former Raptors legend Anthony Carter, who concluded his NBA career in Toronto. Moreover, Carter earned the title of Big East Player of the Year, outperforming players like Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle, both ranked higher on draft boards.
another ridiculous off-ball play from devin carter tracking baylor scheierman pic.twitter.com/N478sFwb7H
— Chip Williams (@chipwilliamsjr) May 26, 2024
What makes Carter stand out is his defensive tenacity, hustle, and ability to impact games on both ends of the court. Despite his statistics not being eye-catching, Carter’s development accelerated after Providence lost star player Bryce Hopkins, forcing him into a larger offensive role.
During March Madness, Carter showcased his skills against prominent Big East teams, including eventual champions UConn Huskies, proving his mettle on the national stage.
Known as one of the most versatile and impactful defenders in college basketball, Devin Carter made significant offensive improvement this season. He became a prolific 3-point shooter while shouldering significant shot-creation duties for Providence, emerging as an All-American. https://t.co/18KeuMQJin pic.twitter.com/uB0GAPuktj
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 3, 2024
Measuring 6’2.25″ without shoes but boasting a significant 6’8.75″ wingspan, Carter is slightly undersized for a guard. Yet, his physicality and athleticism compensate, making him a formidable presence.
Mock drafts indicate Carter’s rising stock, with an average projection of 14.43 across various sources. Despite his ascent, concerns persist, including his shooting form and guard play. Carter’s ability to transition to the NBA and sustain his offensive output remains uncertain.
Devin Carter has received a promise from a team picking in the lottery, per @KevinOConnorNBA (https://t.co/kJn5P99hwN).
Carter is gaining significant buzz throughout the pre-draft process following his outstanding season at Providence. pic.twitter.com/BpnBYTOdba
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 4, 2024
For the Raptors, selecting at 19 presents an opportunity to secure a promising talent like Carter. His versatility and energetic playstyle could inject vigor into the team’s rotation, especially with potential roster changes on the horizon.
Devin Carter's ability to score at all levels through a screen will only grow in the NBA. Can put defenders in jail, hit floaters, use a change of pace to score over bigs at the rim, or quickly take advantage of high P&Rs for 3
With more NBA talent around him he will pop in P&R pic.twitter.com/alPIM9DGbr
— Rich (@MavsDraft) May 29, 2024
While Carter may not be expected to replicate his collegiate scoring output in the NBA, his defensive prowess and hustle make him a valuable asset. With room for growth and development, Carter has the potential to become a difference-maker for the Raptors, perhaps exceeding expectations with his tenacity and resilience on the court.
