Devin Carter's dad shares honest feelings on son's NBA debut game for Kings after suffering shoulder injury

Anthony Carter, assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies, shared his thoughts on facing his son, Sacramento Kings rookie Devin Carter, on Friday.

The Kings selected Devin with the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA draft. After missing Sacramento's first 34 games, he will make his NBA debut on Friday. Adding to the occasion's significance, his first game comes against his father's team.

In an interview with Grind City Media's Michael Wallace, Anthony, a former NBA player, said the gravity of the moment had yet to sink in.

"This situation tonight is going to be surreal and it really haven't hit me yet. But just to see him at the scorer's table," Carter said.

"Me talking to him because before every game that I have ever been to, I always told him, 'Good luck, have fun and I love you.' Those are the three things that I always told him."

Anthony added that despite being on opposite benches, he plans to stick to his pregame routine of speaking to his son.

"So it's going to be a fun night just to coach against him," he said.

Despite being focused on helping the 23-11 Grizzlies, who have won 15 of their last 19 games, Anthony said he would still cheer for his son’s first NBA basket.

"I already told him that if he get into the game and score his two points, I am standing up and going to cheer for his two points. But other than that, I want to win," Anthony said.

Devin Carter's draft night uncertainties and time with G League

When asked how Devin Carter's NBA debut compares to his draft night, Anthony Carter highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the draft.

"The nervousness of the NBA draft was a bit different because we didn't know if he was going to get drafted because of the shoulder situation," Carter said. "We have already told our GMs and owners about the shoulder, and we were just hoping that he got drafted."

The Kings announced in July that Devin Carter’s surgery to repair a torn labrum was successful. Per the team, his recovery timeline was approximately six months.

Before receiving the call-up from Sacramento, Devin Carter played with the Kings' G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. In his debut against the Austin Spurs on Dec. 28, Carter recorded 29 points, eight rebounds and three steals on 61% shooting (8-for-11).

On Thursday, Carter led Stockton to a win over the Memphis Hustle with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds. He added seven assists as his father watched from the stands.

Carter will be looking to boost the Kings (15-19), who recently fired head coach Mike Brown.

Sacramento, 12th in the Western Conference, will play under interim coach Doug Christie for the fourth time as they host the Grizzlies on Friday.