This week’s NBA Draft Combine validated what Providence College supporters had seen all season. Devin Carter will be among the top athletes available for selection next month in Brooklyn. His performance after numerous days of physical testing in Chicago proved it.
Carter established an event record in the three-quarter court sprint. In both vertical leap and standing vertical jump, he tied for first place among prospects. His performance in the pro lane agility drill, which assesses defensive mobility and change of direction, was among the top three.
Carter declined to participate in the on-site scrimmages, but it won’t matter in the long run. Winning Big East Player of the Year demonstrated his ability to dominate games. The Friars will hear their first player’s name called in eight years, and it might happen early on opening night at Barclays Centre.
“I’m doing me,” Carter said in a Wednesday night appearance with The Field of 68. “I’m being myself. A lot of the people, I’m making them laugh.
“Me being me is the best way to approach it. I’ve been having some great talks with different organizations. I’m ready to work out for some of these organizations I’ve met with so far within the next few weeks.”
ESPN’s most recent mock draft had Carter going 16th overall to the Philadelphia 76ers. The official NBA website slotted Carter at 18th overall to the Orlando Magic. His professional comparison was current Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. Both of those mythical sets of selections were posted prior to this week.
Carter measured 6-foot-2¼ without shoes and carries a 6-foot-8¾ wingspan. He’s a touch undersized for a traditional shooting guard at the next level, but what he offers — defensive energy, improved shooting, a veteran’s mentality — carries significant value. Carter could also play on the ball for short stretches, and his complete skillset should have him close to ready to contribute when the next NBA season tips off in 2024-25
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