What happened: Carter, the No. 13 pick in 2024, enters his third NBA season after playing limited minutes until the final two months of 2025-26. His physical drives, rebounding and defensive activity offer Atlanta a potential bench role, though he is not a primary ballhandler.

Why it matters: Carter could give the second unit another guard capable of reaching the paint alongside Dyson Daniels. Pairing him with CJ McCollum and additional shooting would limit his creation burden and give Atlanta time to develop his jumper.

What to watch: Training camp will show whether Carter's late-season progress can translate into a place in Atlanta's guard rotation.