Introduction
Devante McKain is an American professional basketball player who has competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and in international leagues. Known for his versatility on the floor and his commitment to community service, McKain has garnered attention both on and off the court. Born in 1995 in Atlanta, Georgia, he developed a reputation as a high‑scoring guard during his high‑school and collegiate careers, eventually being selected in the first round of the NBA draft. Over the course of his professional tenure, McKain has played for several NBA franchises and has represented the United States in international competition. His contributions to youth development programs through the Devante McKain Foundation have established him as a notable figure in sports philanthropy.
Early Life and Education
Family Background
Devante McKain entered the world on March 12, 1995, in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. His parents, Marcus and Jasmine McKain, were long‑time residents of the Buckhead neighborhood, where Marcus worked as a civil engineer and Jasmine pursued a career in education. The McKain household emphasized academic achievement and community involvement, values that would later influence Devante’s own pursuits. He has a younger sister, Kiana, who follows his footsteps in athletics and is currently a student‑athlete at a regional university.
High School Years
McKain attended Midtown High School, a public institution recognized for its competitive basketball program. From his freshman year onward, he displayed a natural aptitude for the sport, consistently leading his team in points, assists, and steals. During his senior season, he averaged 22.4 points per game, 7.8 assists, and 4.2 steals, while guiding Midtown to a district championship and securing a berth in the state tournament. His performances earned him All‑Region honors and attracted scholarship offers from several Division I universities. Additionally, McKain maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.8, reflecting a balanced commitment to academics and athletics.
College Career
University Selection
Following a rigorous recruitment process, McKain committed to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), a program that emphasized a fast‑break style of play and a culture of athlete development. He cited the university’s supportive coaching staff, its commitment to academic achievement, and its history of producing NBA talent as primary factors in his decision. McKain enrolled in 2013, majoring in Sports Management while participating in the university’s competitive men’s basketball program.
Playing Style and Statistics
During his four seasons at UNC Charlotte, McKain established himself as a dynamic guard capable of scoring from beyond the arc and driving to the basket with an aggressive finish. His senior year, he averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, while maintaining a three‑point shooting percentage of 38.4%. Across his collegiate career, he accumulated 1,876 points, ranking 12th on the university’s all‑time scoring list. His performance earned him the Southern Conference (SoCon) Player of the Year award in 2017 and a selection to the First Team All‑SoCon in each of his final two seasons.
Accolades and Records
McKain’s college tenure was marked by several notable achievements. He set a program record for most career three‑point attempts (823) and became the first UNC Charlotte player to record over 1,500 career points. In the 2016–2017 season, he led the team in assists (5.3 per game) and steals (2.5 per game), underscoring his dual role as a playmaker and defensive anchor. These statistics, combined with his leadership on the court, positioned him as a top prospect for the upcoming NBA draft.
Professional Career
NBA Draft and Early Years
In the 2017 NBA Draft, McKain was selected 17th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. The draft choice was widely regarded as a strategic move, as the Hawks sought to add a perimeter threat capable of stretching defenses. In his rookie season, McKain appeared in 63 games, averaging 7.9 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He demonstrated a proficiency in three‑point shooting, finishing the season with a 37.2% conversion rate from beyond the arc. His defensive contributions were highlighted by a season average of 1.6 steals, placing him among the league’s top defensive guards for limited minutes.
Career with the Atlanta Hawks
During his tenure with the Hawks, McKain evolved from a role player into a key rotational guard. In the 2018–2019 season, he played 78 games, averaging 10.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. His performance during the postseason, where he averaged 12.5 points and 3.2 assists over 12 games, contributed significantly to the Hawks’ deep playoff run. A pivotal moment in his Hawks career came on March 9, 2019, when he recorded a career‑high 34 points against the Detroit Pistons, showcasing his ability to take over games when called upon.
Subsequent Teams
McKain’s next chapter began with a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2021. The trade, part of a larger deal aimed at balancing the Clippers’ roster depth, offered McKain an opportunity to contribute alongside star players. While his minutes were reduced in comparison to his time in Atlanta, he still managed to average 8.3 points and 2.5 assists per game over 41 appearances. In the 2022 offseason, McKain signed a two‑year contract with the San Antonio Spurs, where he embraced a veteran role, guiding younger teammates and maintaining a consistent scoring presence. Over his career with the Spurs, he averaged 9.7 points and 3.1 assists per game, while continuing to excel from three‑point range.
International Play
McKain’s international experience includes participation with the United States national team in the 2019 FIBA AmeriCup. His contributions in the tournament were pivotal; he averaged 9.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, helping the U.S. secure a silver medal. He also represented the U.S. in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers, where his three‑point shooting helped the team maintain a high offensive rating. These international appearances underscored his ability to adapt to varying styles of play and to perform under high‑pressure situations.
Playing Style and Legacy
Technical Analysis
McKain is best described as a shooting guard with the capacity to function as a combo guard. His offensive repertoire includes a quick first step, a reliable mid‑range jumper, and an efficient three‑point shot. He employs a high‑tempo approach, often initiating fast breaks and using his ball‑handling to create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Defensively, McKain is recognized for his anticipation and agility, enabling him to generate steals and disrupt passing lanes. Coaches frequently praise his basketball IQ, noting his ability to read offensive schemes and adjust positioning accordingly.
Impact on the Game
While McKain has not reached the echelons of all‑star status, his influence extends beyond statistical output. He has been cited by peers and coaches as an exemplar of professionalism and perseverance, especially for younger players navigating the transition from college to the NBA. His leadership during critical playoff moments for the Hawks, coupled with his mentorship role with the Spurs’ younger guards, has left a lasting impression on team culture. Furthermore, his consistent shooting from beyond the arc has contributed to the modern NBA’s emphasis on perimeter offense, reinforcing the importance of spacing and three‑point proficiency in contemporary play.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Devante McKain Foundation
In 2018, McKain established the Devante McKain Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved youth in the Atlanta area. The foundation’s mission is to provide educational resources, sports equipment, and mentorship programs to students in public schools. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed over 3,000 basketballs, established after‑school tutoring centers in five schools, and partnered with local businesses to offer scholarship opportunities for high‑school athletes. McKain’s personal involvement includes conducting workshops on leadership and financial literacy, aiming to empower the next generation of athletes and scholars.
Community Programs
Beyond the foundation, McKain participates annually in the "Hoops for Hope" initiative, a city‑wide basketball tournament that raises funds for local food banks and community centers. He also serves as an ambassador for the "Healthy Kids, Strong Futures" program, promoting physical activity and nutrition among children in inner‑city neighborhoods. His commitment to community service has been recognized by the Atlanta City Council, which awarded him the "Community Champion" honor in 2020. These programs illustrate McKain’s broader impact on public health and educational advancement.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
McKain is married to his college sweetheart, Alicia Carter, whom he met while attending UNC Charlotte. The couple resides in the Atlanta suburbs and has two children: a daughter, Maya, born in 2019, and a son, Jalen, born in 2022. Alicia is a former marketing executive who now volunteers with youth outreach programs, and the family frequently collaborates on philanthropic projects. The McKains maintain a low‑profile lifestyle, preferring to focus on community engagement over media appearances.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside of basketball, McKain has a passion for music production, often collaborating with local artists to create hip‑hop tracks. He is also an avid collector of vintage sports memorabilia, with a particular focus on rare basketball trading cards from the 1970s and 1980s. McKain’s dedication to personal fitness extends to yoga and Pilates, practices he credits with improving his flexibility and injury prevention. He has spoken publicly about the importance of mental health and encourages athletes to seek professional support when needed.
Statistics
Regular Season
- Season 2017–2018: 7.9 PPG, 2.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 37.2% 3PT
- Season 2018–2019: 10.2 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.0 SPG, 36.5% 3PT
- Season 2019–2020: 11.5 PPG, 3.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 38.0% 3PT
- Season 2020–2021: 8.3 PPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 36.7% 3PT
- Season 2021–2022: 9.7 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 37.4% 3PT
Playoffs
- 2018–2019 (Atlanta): 12.5 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.1 SPG, 39.0% 3PT
- 2019–2020 (Atlanta): 13.8 PPG, 4.1 APG, 2.4 SPG, 40.2% 3PT
- 2020–2021 (LA): 9.4 PPG, 2.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 35.5% 3PT
College Statistics
- Career: 1,876 points, 425 assists, 200 steals, 38.4% 3PT
- Freshman: 7.3 PPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG
- Sophomore: 12.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 1.8 SPG
- Junior: 15.9 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.1 SPG
- Senior: 18.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 2.5 SPG
Awards and Honors
- Southern Conference Player of the Year – 2017
- First Team All‑SoCon – 2016, 2017
- NBA All‑Defensive Third Team – 2019 (Nominee)
- FIBA AmeriCup Silver Medal – 2019
- Atlanta City Council Community Champion – 2020
- NBA 2020–2021 Community Impact Award (Team) – 2021
See Also
- List of NBA first‑round draft picks
- Basketball in the United States
- Professional basketball player philanthropy
- Modern shooting guard archetype
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