The Atlanta Hawks came into the offseason needing to add (at least one) point guard. They've accomplished that goal, and then some.
With the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, they selected Houston's Kingston Flemings. For some, that would have been enough.
Not the Hawks.
They also acquired Devin Carter and a 2033 second-round pick from the Sacramento Kings. In exchange, they sent the draft rights to Alpha Kaba. With no disrespect intended, Kaba is a 30-year-old playing in China. So, the Hawks essentially got Carter for free.
Was it worth it?
Carter isn't far removed from being a lottery selection. He was the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
That said, his career has not gone as expected. Carter has dealt with injuries, and he hasn't been as effective as you'd like when he has been on the floor.
Still, in his 2025-26 sophomore season, Carter did flash some potential. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per 75 possessions. That rebounding number is particularly notable. Carter is an exceptional rebounder for his position and size (6'2"). He also defends well for his height, and his 6'8" wingspan is useful in that regard.
Carter's problems have largely been offensive. He's shooting a poor 27.4% from deep for his career so far. If that number doesn't come up, his supplementary rebounding and defending abilities will only take him so far.
Can he find a role with the Hawks?
A guard who defends and rebounds well without providing much floor spacing? That should sound familiar to Atlanta Hawks fans.
That said, the Hawks shifted Dyson Daniels' primary position from the 2 to the 3 last year. They've officially designated him as a wing. Still, the Hawks' backcourt is looking pretty crowded with the addition of Carter.
Flemings. Nickeil Alexander-Walker. CJ McCollum. Buddy Hield. Aaron Wiggins. The Hawks, suddenly, have a lot of guards.
That said, most of them are versatile enough to play multiple positions. Hield is also likely to be on the move before the trade deadline. There's a world where Carter sees the floor in Atlanta, but his path to playing time may be perilous.
That doesn't mean it was a bad trade. Taking a flyer on a recent lottery pick at virtually zero cost is rarely a bad decision. The Hawks were smart to make this deal, but time will tell whether it moves the needle much.
By now, the team has guards to spare.
Grade: B+
