Devin Carter Full Scouting Report

School: Providence

Nationality: USA

Age: 22

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'3", 195 lbs

Known mostly for pesky defense entering the year, Devin Carter experienced an offensive breakout that turned him into one of the nation's most impactful, two-way players.

It also caught NBA scouts' attention.

Carter made improvements in key areas, most notably his shooting, while maintaining the same signature defensive intensity and overall competitiveness. However, despite leading Providence to wins over Wisconsin, Marquette and Creighton (twice), the Friars and Carter were held out of the NCAA tournament.

Scouts have already started throwing around various NBA comparisons that suggest Carter is firmly in first-round draft territory.

Projected Role, Pro Comps, Best Team Fits

Projected role: Combo guard/two-way spark

Pro comparisons: Brandin Podziemski, Derrick White

Best team fits: Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets

Dangerous in both ball-screen and spot-up shooting situations,Carter can play on and off the ball. He's still more wired to score than play-make, and NBA coaches will likely hesitate to use him as a primary decision-maker. He'll operate as a combo guard from the 2 spot.

The big question is how much of his game will translate to the NBA given his late-blooming skills and physical/athletic limitations. If the scoring outbursts don't carry over, he'll play a versatility role similar to Brandin Podziemski's with his shotmaking, secondary creation, outlier rebounding and defense.

He could look more like Derrick White if he provides more of a reliable scoring punch and he emerges as a perimeter stopper.

Draft Projection

Draft ceiling: Late lottery

Draft floor: First round

The debate around Carter focuses on the height of his ceiling. Does it top out at star, quality starter or basic role player? A team that buys his creation, shotmaking and defense to carry over to the NBA could consider taking him in the Nos. 10-14 range.

More teams may envision Carter as a supporting player since he's 6'3" and won't be a primary ball-handler in the NBA. Visions of a three-and-D combo guard will likely warrant mid-to-late first-round grades.

However, he's developed an archetype that's coveted and easy to fit—even if it's for a second unit—which should help maximize his potential suitors.

Physical Tools and Athleticism

At 6'3" and 195 pounds, Carter has fine measurements for an NBA ball-handler. However, he's likely to spend more time at the 2-spot, where he could often face physical disadvantages.

Athletically, Carter can contort his body in different ways. He uses bounce at both ends to finish and block shots. Though he isn't the most explosive leaper, he still totaled 25 dunks this season, which was a result of both functional springs and a high activity level to put himself in position to himself for easy baskets.

Carter is also extremely quick laterally, which is arguably his most valuable athletic trait.

Signature Strengths

Defense/rebounding

It's rare for a 6'3" guard to average anywhere close to 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Competitive drive, springs and instincts contribute to Carter's outlier shot-blocking and rebounding numbers.

Defensively, Carter combines a suffocating, disruptive mix of quickness, anticipation and intensity. Opposing guards struggle to shake him or separate. He's tough fighting through screens and recovers quickly.

Ball-screen offense

Carter was highly efficient in ball-screen situations with his ability to change speeds, fool defenders, use crafty footwork, hit unconventional shots and set up teammates as a passer. He was far more effective getting to the basket and finishing than he was pulling up for jump shots.

Carter ultimately has strong command with his pacing and handle to create advantages and quality looks in ball-screen situations.

Shotmaking

Carter made a big jump this year with his shooting, finishing the season with 84 made threes after hitting only 35 last season in the same number of games (33). While he became a threat to hit pull-ups and step-backs, Carter was more efficient making catch-and-shoot threes.

That's a good sign since he'll be playing more off the ball in the NBA. However, he does have an awkward release with a hitch, so teams will watching him closely during workouts.

Weaknesses

Positional tools

At 6'3", Carter doesn't possess a standout physical profile for a 2-guard. Scouts question how easily he'll be able to separate into clean jumpers and finishes against NBA defenders.

Although Carter has some special defensive instincts, there is some hesitation projecting defensive upside for an undersized 2-guard.

Decision-making

Carter plays at a fast pace and seemingly has no shortage of confidence. That can translate to some bad shots, passes, decision and turnovers (2.7 per game this past season).

Mid-range scoring

Carter would have helped himself this year by making more mid-range shots. It's not as easy to get to the rim and finish there efficiently in the NBA as it is in college.

Carter could use a more effective in-between game, as he shot underwhelming percentages on his two-point jumpers, ball-screen pull-ups and runners.