NBA Lottery Pick to Make NBA Season Debut in Grizzlies vs Kings

A Sacramento Kings rookie set to make his NBA debut against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Devin Carter poses for photos with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected in the first round by the Sacramento Kings in the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings face off Friday night in a contest that may appear as a regular Western Conference matchup between two teams at the opposite ends of the conference standings. However, it will be extra special for one individual, as he'll get a chance to make his NBA debut against one of the league's top teams.

Looking at this year's rookie class, several players from this class have already been able to carve out roles on their team despite the class being viewed as underwhelming. The Grizzlies have been big winners so far from the draft, as rookies Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey are both averaging 11.3 points per night and have Memphis near the top of the conference.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and the team’s 2024 NBA Draft picks Cam Spencer, Jaylen Wells, and Zach Edey hold up their jerseys during a press conference to introduce the team’s picks at FedExForum on Friday, June 28, 2024. / Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

As for Sacramento, they'll finally get a chance to see what they have in their lottery selection.

According to ESPN Senior Insider Shams Charania, Kings rookie Devin Carter out of Providence is set to make his NBA debut Friday night against the Grizzlies. Not only is this a significant milestone in his career, but the matchup against Memphis hits home for Carter.

Sacramento Kings rookie Devin Carter, the No. 13 overall pick in the NBA Draft, will be available to make his season debut tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies and his father, assistant coach Anthony Carter, sources told ESPN. Carter underwent left shoulder surgery in July.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 3, 2025

Currently serving as an assistant coach on Taylor Jenkins's staff, Carter will be going up against his father, Anthony Carter, to start his NBA career.

A former NBA veteran, Carter spent 13 years in the NBA, spending time with six different teams.

This 20-second stretch from Providence’s Devin Carter slams the door shut on Georgetown.

One of the most underrated players in the nation. pic.twitter.com/fnVOSJ3TV7

— Made For March (@madeformarch) January 27, 2024

The Kings will hope that Carter can impact the Sacramento guard rotation instantly, especially when De'Aaron Fox is off the court. In his final season with the Providence Friars, Carter averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and shot 37.7% from three.

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