The Sacramento Kings recently chose to assign Devin Carter to their G League counterpart, the Stockton Kings. It already seems to be having an impact as he has improved dramatically. Given how well he played against the Nuggets, the Kings need to take him more seriously.
Nique Clifford and Devin Carter both played in the Stockton Kings' 112-99 win over the South Bay Lakers last night.
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) December 10, 2025
Clifford: 16 points (6/13 FG), 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
Carter: 25 points (7/19 FG), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Being a guard on the Sacramento Kings is a hard row to hoe. There's a lot of competition for limited positions and minutes, especially when dealing with a coaching staff that is over reliant on league veterans and often not focused enough on developing young talent. Devin Carter got caught in that.
Fortunately for him, the decision was made to assign him to the G League. Carter went from perpetually sitting on the bench to becoming a starter. In the two games he's played in Stockton, he's averaging 19.5 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 31 minutes per game.
Those might not be All-Star numbers, but they're difficult to ignore. It straight up proves that Carter has the talent and the skill that got him drafted in the first place. He just needs to develop all of his potential, and start getting some regular minutes on the floor. It's amazing how much impact that has.
Devin Carter's bench time on the NBA roster was a problem
During his post-game media availability in Stockton, Carter talked about how it was the first basketball he had played in over a month. He was excited to be on the court, and felt like both his new teammates and coaches valued him. Honestly, it was a little heart-wrenching to hear.
Nique Clifford and Devin Carter lead the Stockton Kings over the South Bay Lakers tonight 112-99. Carter talks about his first game action in nearly a month and Clifford's G League debut. Hear from Carter, Dylan Cardwell & Stockton head coach Will Scott. pic.twitter.com/n0BqYyajQe
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 10, 2025
The impact of being perpetually benched on the confidence of a basketball player cannot be understated. It's not just an issue of being rusty on the court. Sitting there game after game eats away at a player's confidence, particualry someone who is new to the league like Carter.
That's why regular time in actual games is so important for young players. Yes, it's about honing skills and finding a rhythm with the team. It's also about building confidence on the court, which is 90% of success in the NBA. Everyone in the league has the skills it takes to be there. Confidence is different.
Carter rejoined the Sacramento Kings last night and dropped 15 points, four assists, and one rebound in just over 21 minutes. Plus, he went three for six from the three-point arc. Giving him some real reps and rebuilding his confidence has already had a huge impact on his gameplay.