Devin Carter’s first game in the NBA was made unforgettable by events before the game. From being called up to the Sacramento Kings, he had his first game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Anthony Carter, his father, is one of the assistant coaches for this team. This was a memorable night filled with family pride and excitement while serving as a background for an incredible father-son match-up that basketball enthusiasts will forever remember.
A Dream Come True
The 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Devin Carter, had spent several months preparing for this moment. Following shoulder surgery in July, he spent months trying to bring himself back to full health. Two games with the G League’s Stockton Kings helped him find his rhythm. On the day when Kings’ interim coach Doug Christie announced that Devin was ready to play, it dawned on the 22-year-old guard that the time had come.
“But it’s a blessing,” Devin said. “This is the scene I have dreamt about since childhood: making my first NBA game with my dad in attendance.”
On the other end of the soccer field, however, it was Anthony Carter watching. He felt proud but also reminisced on the many hours spent by Devin as the player strives to stand at this point. But being a coach at the Grizzlies, Anthony knew he had a duty to fulfill.
“I will clap for him when he scores,” joked Anthony, “but I need the victory afterward.”
Father and Son: A Rare NBA Rivalry
It was always going to be unique for Devin’s very first experience as a player to have a father-son twist. Before the tipoff, they sat courtside and caught up for a brief moment. It wasn’t the first time that this reunion took place before a game. However, there was something different about it.
Devin was clad in Kings gear, whereas Anthony sported Grizzlies colors.
“This is a proud moment,” Anthony said. “Once the game begins, though, business.”
Devin Carter hasn’t pushed him for thirteen seasons in the NBA, nor did he press him to go and play as a professional. If he wanted basketball, he could have it, and his workouts were spent late at night or playing together in the backyard.
He was not going to do anything else but love it.
It was earned during his college years at Providence with ACC Player of the Year honors that truly paid off for Devin; in fact, the Kings drafted him despite not completely recovering from a shoulder injury. Now, that gamble might be paying off.
Devin Carter Brings Energy to the Kings
He blew through Sacramento in a very short time ago. The rookie was quickly on—playing for the Kings in the final stretch of the first quarter—to demonstrate, once more, that he could hang in the big leagues. Most famous for his defense and his athleticism, Devin adds spark to the Kings’ lineup. “I’m here to create energy off the bench,” he claimed. “I am making some hustle plays and making my teammates shine.”
Devin Carter can prove very useful for the Kings. They are hunting to gain further ground in the Western Conference standings, and this youngest player on the roster is going to take off some defensive pressure from the stars like De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk. The head coach, Mike Brown, may have been fired, but still, Christie leads the team and holds good expectations about Devin. “He has the skills to become a really good defender,Christie said. “He has the skills to become a really good defender.”
A Night to Remember
His first game wasn’t about numbers; it was proving he could do it at the highest level. He hustled on defense, chased loose balls, and played with the same energy that had made him an NCAA standout. The crowd roared as Devin hit his first shot, and Anthony cheered from the opposing bench. Another proud moment for the Carter clan—even if they were on different sides.
“You might dive on a ball and take Pops out—you never know,” Christie joked before the game.
Anthony’s emotions were all over the place during the event—happiness with a hint of ugly nerves. “I know how hard he’s worked to get here,” Anthony said. Seeing him live his dream, it is just such a great feeling.
Kings Look to the Future
Devin Carter’s debut will also lead the Kings into a new chapter. The 15-19 record they have as of now is basically an effort to gain some ground in the coming games. In fact, Devin’s energy and defensive capabilities could prove essential parts of the strategy as they progress with this season.
The flashes of brilliance have already been shown by Devin. In G League battles, he once scored 29 points, followed by 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 17 points in another game, demonstrating his ability to join the NBA ranks.
Christie is hopeful about the future of this team because of Devin. “He’s a competitor,” Christie said. “We’re just going to keep working; let’s see where this takes us.”
A Family Bond That Inspires
In very broad terms, the story is about a father and son. Anthony played in the NBA for 13 years and served as a model for Devin’s career, but he never pressured him to follow in his footsteps. Instead, he supported Devin along the way, from day one of youth basketball through college greatness.
His love for the game translates to finding the connection he once enjoyed with his father and honoring the lessons learned over the years. I play because I love it, at the end of the day,” Devin said. “And that’s something that my dad really put into me.”
Conclusion
Devin Carter has made his milestone to the NBA. It is also a reunion for the family and holds promise for the future. He brings with him energy, defense, and hunger to win for the Kings, while for Anthony at this moment, it’s a dream come true to see his son making it big.
Now, that was just it for Devin Carter and the beginning of the whole thing. There are many things he will continue to bring as he develops and grows, and Kings fans have so much to look forward to. And for one unforgettable night, basketball brought a father and son closer than anything else could offer.