Desi Justice Carton Bio
Desi Justice Carton is an American professional basketball player for the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Marquette Golden Eagles. Carton has made a name for himself in the basketball community, showcasing his skills and determination on the court since his high school days. Known for his versatility as a point guard, he has transitioned through various teams in the NBA G League, demonstrating his potential and commitment to the sport.
Early Life and Background
Desi Justice Carton was born on August 5, 2000, in Pineville, North Carolina. He grew up in a family that moved frequently before settling in Geneseo, Illinois. During his childhood, he attended St. Malachy Catholic School and later Geneseo Middle School, where he excelled in various sports, including baseball and football. However, a rotator cuff injury led him to focus solely on basketball. Carton moved to Bettendorf, Iowa, after eighth grade and attended Bettendorf High School, where he quickly became a standout player on the basketball team.
At Bettendorf High School, Carton made a significant impact, becoming a starter by his sophomore year. He was recognized as a first-team all-state player during his junior year, averaging an impressive 26.3 points per game. In his senior season, he scored a remarkable 49 points in a single game and led his team to a 21-2 record. Carton finished his high school career as the all-time leading scorer at Bettendorf High School, amassing 1,198 points and earning the title of Co-Iowa Mr. Basketball in 2019.
Path to Basketball
Following his successful high school career, Desi Carton was ranked as the 34th best player in his class and was a four-star recruit. He committed to play college basketball at Ohio State University on July 14, 2018, turning down offers from several other prestigious programs. At Ohio State, he was named the Big Ten preseason freshman of the year but faced competition from a transfer player for the starting position. Despite this, Carton managed to score a season-high 19 points in a game against Minnesota.
However, he faced challenges during his freshman year, including mental health issues that led him to take a leave of absence from the team. After averaging 10.4 points and 3.0 assists per game, he decided to transfer to Marquette University, where he continued to develop his skills and averaged 13 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game before declaring for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Desi Justice Carton Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Desi Carton went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft but quickly signed with the Charlotte Hornets on August 7, 2021. Unfortunately, he was waived shortly after and signed with the Greensboro Swarm as an affiliate player on October 24, 2021. During his time with the Swarm, Carton began to establish himself in the league, showcasing his skills and determination on the court.
In his first season with the Greensboro Swarm, Carton gained valuable experience and continued to develop his game, setting the stage for his future endeavors in professional basketball.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
In November 2022, Desi Carton was named to the opening night roster for the Iowa Wolves, marking a significant step in his professional career. He continued to build on his success and, on February 21, 2024, he signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his talent at the highest level of basketball.
After a brief stint with the Raptors, Carton returned to the Iowa Wolves, where he continued to hone his skills. On January 29, 2025, he joined the San Diego Clippers, where he averaged 13.1 points and 4.9 assists per game over 19 games. His performance with the Clippers solidified his reputation as a promising player in the league.
In August 2025, Carton was acquired by the Birmingham Squadron in a four-team trade, furthering his journey in the NBA G League and providing him with new opportunities to excel on the court.
Notable Works and Milestones
Desi Carton has achieved several milestones throughout his career, including being named Iowa Mr. Basketball in 2019 and establishing himself as a key player in the NBA G League. His journey from high school standout to professional athlete exemplifies his dedication and passion for the game.
Desi Justice Carton Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Desi Carton has received recognition for his achievements, including being named Iowa Mr. Basketball in 2019, highlighting his talent and potential in the sport.
Desi Justice Carton Awards Won
Desi Carton has not yet accumulated a significant number of awards in his professional career, but his early achievements in high school and college set a strong foundation for future recognition.
Desi Justice Carton Family
Desi Carton was born to Desi Wilson and Jennifer. His mother, Jennifer, played volleyball at the University of Colorado, while his father, Desi Wilson, had a brief career in professional baseball after being drafted by the Texas Rangers. Carton has not seen his father since he was four years old, and he later changed his name to Desi Justice Carton after his mother married Dale Carton.
Personal Life
Desi Carton has kept his personal life relatively private. He has focused on his basketball career and personal development, striving to make a name for himself in the professional sports world.