Boston Took a Free Swing on Devin Carter — Now His Jumper Decides the Bet
GOATIFYBoston is taking one of the cheapest upside swings available before training camp. Devin Carter, the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal that puts him into a competition for either the Celtics’ final standard roster spot or an open two-way place.
The contract does not guarantee Carter a role. Boston gets a close look at a 24-year-old former lottery pick without making a major commitment, while Carter gets a chance to restart a career slowed by injuries and inconsistent shooting.
A former lottery pick is fighting for the last seat
Sacramento drafted Carter 13th overall after a huge final college season at Providence, but shoulder surgery delayed his rookie debut and later ankle, back and calf issues disrupted his first two NBA seasons. Sacramento moved him to Atlanta during the offseason, and the Hawks then waived him amid their own roster squeeze.
Across 74 NBA appearances with the Kings, Carter averaged 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 40.1% from the field and 27.4% from three. Last season offered a more encouraging snapshot: 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 38 games.
There was also a stronger finish hiding inside those season numbers. Over his final 12 appearances, Carter averaged 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists while hitting 46.1% overall and 37.5% from deep. Boston is effectively betting that the late-season version is closer to what Carter can become with health and consistent minutes.
Defense gives Carter a real Boston pathway
Carter does not need to become a primary scorer to make this gamble work. His best NBA argument starts at the other end. He has the quickness and competitiveness to pressure guards, rebounds well for his size and can create transition chances without needing the offense built around him.
Boston has 14 standard contracts and room for another player, but Carter is also still eligible for a two-way deal. Training camp can therefore become a genuine audition rather than a ceremonial invite. He has to show that his defensive energy translates inside Boston’s system and that he can stay available after two injury-interrupted seasons.
The three-point line is the swing skill
The biggest question is obvious. Carter has made only 27.4% of his NBA threes. For a Boston team that leans heavily on spacing and three-point volume, a guard who cannot punish defenses for leaving him open becomes much harder to keep on the floor.
His Providence season provides the counterargument. Carter was the Big East Player of the Year after averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. If Boston can help him rediscover even league-average range, his defense and athleticism become much easier to use.
That is why this is a worthwhile September bet. The Celtics are not paying for Carter’s draft pedigree. They are buying an audition for the parts of that pedigree that still might be recoverable. If the jumper arrives, he has a route onto the roster. If it does not, Boston can move on with minimal cost.
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