Celtics eye Devin Carter to strengthen guard lineup

NBA Celtics eye Devin Carter to strengthen guard lineup

By Ben Gale

September 12, 2026 • 12:02 PM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Celtics eye Devin Carter to strengthen guard lineup

The Boston Celtics are in the mix to sign Devin Carter, a promising young guard recently let go by the Atlanta Hawks. With training camp just around the corner, the Celtics’ pursuit comes as they look to add depth and energy behind an already solid backcourt core. Carter, the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was initially picked up by the Sacramento Kings before a salary-motivated trade sent him to Atlanta. But after the Hawks released him, his future is once again up for grabs — and Boston appears ready to make a move.

Why should you care about Carter landing in Boston? Simple: the Celtics are a championship-caliber team, but they’re a bit thin when it comes to bench guards. Adding a 24-year-old with upside could be a sneaky-smart value play for their rotation, and for bettors, a tweak like this can impact futures odds and win totals if Carter finds a niche.

According to Yahoo Sports, NBA reporter Jake Fischer broke the news that the Celtics are showing interest in Carter. He’s not just scraping by, either — last season with Sacramento, Carter played 18.4 minutes per game in 38 appearances, averaging 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. These numbers might not leap off the screen, but context matters: Carter had to earn his minutes as a young guard on a playoff hopeful, and his best performances flashed legit upside.

Carter’s biggest moment? A huge fourth quarter against the Pacers, where he erupted for 22 of his 24 points to take over the game. If you’re the Celtics, that’s exactly the kind of spark-plug potential you want off the bench — someone who doesn’t shy away from the moment.

Key developments in the Devin Carter sweepstakes

Celtics are reportedly interested in Carter after his waiver from the Hawks.
Carter was a 2024 lottery pick by the Kings, moved to Atlanta in a cap-clearing trade.
Sophomore NBA season included a standout 24-point game with high impact late.
Three-point shooting is a work in progress (just 26.3 percent last year), but he gets to the rim and rebounds well for his size.
Named BIG EAST Player of the Year as a senior at Providence, showing major college production and leadership.

How Carter fits in Boston’s backcourt

Right now, the Celtics have 14 players under contract and two on two-way deals. Bringing in Carter would likely fill their 15th full-time roster spot unless someone is waived or traded to free up space. Guard depth is an issue: Derrick White and Payton Pritchard lead the group, Mike Conley is set to provide veteran minutes off the bench, but after that, they’re looking at combo guards who aren’t true point men.

College pedigree shows two-way upside

Carter has a college reputation as a stat-stuffer, especially from his last season at Providence: 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists. That blend of scoring, rebounding, and passing points to a guard who can impact both ends, and for a team like Boston, versatility matters. He may be unpolished, but college production projects upside — a reason why the Celtics may see him as a bargain pickup.

Why this move matters for bettors

The Celtics are one injury or cold streak away from needing extra minutes in the backcourt.
Carter’s arrival could mean a few more wins if he catches fire; he has history of explosive scoring stretches.
Boston may balance their roster with a trade or cut, so those keeping an eye on the depth chart should expect more moves ahead.
If Carter can improve his shooting, he might be more than an end-of-bench guy this season.

Key takeaways for bettors and fans

Celtics are actively looking to shore up their guard rotation before camp opens.
Carter is coming off a solid, though unspectacular rookie season but still has upside.
One standout NBA game shows his high ceiling in the right situation.
Guard depth is thin beyond White, Pritchard, and Conley, so Carter would have a real shot at cracking the rotation.
Boston’s roster changes shouldn’t be over yet — anticipate at least one more move before opening night.
If Carter adapts quickly to Boston’s system, expect spot minutes and possibly a bigger role as the season progresses.
Bettors should track Carter’s preseason playing time for early hints about his role.

More coverage: NBA news coverage, NBA betting hub and today’s NBA picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Devin Carter is a 24-year-old guard drafted 13th overall in 2024. The Celtics see him as a potential backup with upside who can help their thin backcourt rotation.

Carter averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 18.4 minutes per game over 38 outings. He shot 41.4 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from three.

Carter played at South Carolina and then Providence. In his senior year, he was BIG EAST Player of the Year with 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

The Celtics have two main point guards and a veteran backup, but are thin beyond that. Carter could be their 15th roster player or might push someone else off the roster.

If Carter can contribute off the bench and fill minutes reliably, Boston’s depth and stability improve, possibly boosting win total and playoff odds for sharp bettors.

Carter has to clear waivers first. If signed, he’ll battle for a backup role in training camp. Keep an eye on Boston roster moves leading up to opening night.

Right now, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are the lead guards, with Mike Conley coming off the bench. Carter would slot in as a depth piece if added.