The Atlanta Hawks didn’t make a splash, but they made a smart play grabbing Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings. This pick injects real physical tools into a backcourt that desperately needs grit. Carter isn’t finished, yet his ability to attack the rim jumps off the tape immediately. He uses a sturdy upper body to bully smaller guards and crash through contact. That style fits perfectly with what Quin Snyder wants from his guards in the paint.
Physical tools meet defensive hustle
13th overall.
Carter entered the league as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a spot that usually guarantees immediate minutes. He spent two seasons in Sacramento before finding himself on the outside looking in. The arrival of Darius Acuff Jr. pushed Carter toward a trade deadline deal. He only saw limited minutes until the final two months of last season. Yet those late-game snaps proved he can impact the floor when given a chance.
His defense mirrors his offense, using his frame to disrupt passing lanes. He also rebounds better than most guards, showing he does not fear the dirty work. Snyder noted Daniels for getting two feet in the paint, and Carter can do the same. This similarity suggests Carter could be a vital piece off the bench.
According to Peachtree Hoops, his closest comparison on the current roster is Dyson Daniels.
He brings a level of physicality that is rare for a guard in today’s game. Fans should expect him to make life tough for opposing ball handlers right away.
Shooting must improve to survive
27.4%.
There is one major flaw that could stop Carter from becoming a starter. His three-point shooting has been a struggle through his first two seasons. He sits at a combined 27.4% from deep over that span. Last season alone, he shot just 26.3% from beyond the arc. A Hawks team that loves to shoot threes cannot afford a guard who misses that often. The mechanics might need a total overhaul or he simply needs more time to grow. The good news is he showed better consistency down the stretch of last year. That small spark gives hope he can carry it into the new season.
Per Peachtree Hoops, the best way to help him succeed is to surround him with shooters. Spacing the floor will open up the lanes he loves to attack. If the offense flows better, Carter will find more open looks to build his confidence. Without those shooters, his driving lanes will get clogged by help defenders. The organization must trust his defense and hope his offense catches up quickly.
A bench role is the realistic start
Carter will likely start on the second unit rather than the main rotation. His job is to bring energy and physicality when the starters rest. He does not need to be the primary scorer to make an impact. His value comes from stopping opponents and crashing the glass. If he fixes his shot, he could earn more minutes as the season goes on. Until then, he is a high-upside project for a team that needs depth. The Hawks have kept their financial flexibility while adding a player with real potential.
Can Carter fix his shooting before the trade deadline? Tell us your thoughts on the Hawks’ new guard in the comments below.
