Bub Carrington Bio
Carlton Kaleel Carrington III, known professionally as Bub Carrington, is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on July 21, 2005, in Baltimore, Maryland, he played college basketball for the Pittsburgh Panthers before entering the NBA. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft and was traded to the Wizards during the same draft night.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, Carrington plays as a guard and quickly established himself as a reliable contributor during his rookie season. His combination of scoring, passing, and poise on the court has drawn attention across the league, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in May 2025.
Early Life and Background
Carlton Kaleel Carrington III was born on July 21, 2005, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is the third member of his family to carry the name Carlton, which led to the nickname “lil’ bub” from his father Carlton “Bub” Carrington, a basketball coach. The nickname was eventually shortened to simply “Bub.” His mother is Karima Carrington, and he has two siblings, Kareem and Faith. Carrington is also a second cousin of retired NBA player Rudy Gay, making basketball a familiar path within the family.
Growing up in Baltimore, Carrington attended Saint Frances Academy, where he played basketball, baseball, and football. He was also a member of the school’s chess club, reflecting a wide range of interests beyond sports. He scored more than 2,000 career points in high school and was ranked by 247Sports as a four-star recruit, the 99th-best player nationally, and the third-best player from the state of Maryland. After his junior year, he committed to playing college basketball at Pittsburgh, choosing the Panthers over eight other scholarship offers.
Outside of high school competition, Carrington played for Team Melo on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) travel circuit. He was named the EYBL Breakout Player of the Session and earned second-team All-Session honors while helping his team reach the EYBL championships. As a senior at Saint Frances Academy in 2022–23, he led the team to a 29–11 overall record and an 11–3 mark in the Baltimore Catholic League, winning the MIAA tournament and setting a school record with more than 1,000 points in a single season.
Path to Basketball
Carrington’s path to professional basketball began with strong performances in Baltimore-area high school basketball and national travel circuits. His standout senior season at Saint Frances Academy, where he averaged more than 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals per game, established him as one of the top guards in the country. He earned first-team All-Baltimore Catholic League honors and was named to the BCL All-Tournament team, while also being selected to the All-Tournament team at the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association tournament.
His profile grew through elite showcase events, including the DTLR Classic, Jumpman Classic, R1A Classic, the MLK Classic, and the City of Palms Classic. At the MLK Classic, he set a tournament record with 42 points and earned MVP honors at each event he attended. These performances confirmed his status as a high-major college prospect.
Joining the Pittsburgh Panthers for the 2023–24 season, Carrington became an immediate starter. In his debut against North Carolina A&T, he recorded 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, producing the first triple-double in a debut in school history and the second in Atlantic Coast Conference history. He was named ACC Rookie of the Week in back-to-back weeks, becoming the first Pittsburgh player to earn that distinction consecutively since 2007–08, and he was later selected to the ACC All-Rookie team.
Bub Carrington Career
Early Career (2023–2024)
Carrington’s first notable season came with the Pittsburgh Panthers during 2023–24, when he stepped in as a freshman starter and produced one of the most remarkable opening performances in program history. His triple-double in his first game quickly announced his arrival at the college level, and he went on to earn ACC Rookie of the Week honors in consecutive weeks. By the end of his lone college season, he was named to the ACC All-Rookie team, validating his decision to enter the 2024 NBA draft.
His development under the Pittsburgh coaching staff focused on his point guard skills, court vision, and defensive awareness, all of which translated well to the professional level. Despite playing only one season of college basketball, Carrington had built a strong enough resume to be considered a first-round NBA prospect.
NBA Breakthrough (2024–2025)
On June 26, 2024, Carrington was selected with the fourteenth overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA draft. He was then traded, along with Malcolm Brogdon, to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Deni Avdija. On July 7, 2024, he signed his rookie contract with the Wizards and began his NBA career.
In his rookie season, Carrington was one of only 11 NBA players to appear in all 82 regular-season games, showcasing his durability and consistency. He averaged 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, emerging as a steady playmaker and secondary scorer for the Wizards. In May 2025, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, capping a strong first professional year.
Washington Wizards Era (2024–Present)
Since joining the Washington Wizards, Carrington has continued to develop into a core piece of the team’s young backcourt. His full 82-game participation during his rookie year demonstrated his availability and work ethic, while his assist numbers reflected his role as a primary ball-handler. He has provided scoring punch, rebounding from the guard position, and a steady hand in running the offense.
As the Wizards continue their rebuilding process, Carrington’s combination of experience, production, and youth positions him as a building block for the franchise. His ability to play in all 82 games during his first season suggested a strong foundation for sustained growth.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carrington is known for his well-rounded game, combining scoring, playmaking, and defensive effort. His court vision and passing ability allow him to facilitate offense effectively, while his rebounding from the guard position adds another dimension to his play. He has demonstrated the durability to play a full NBA season and the composure to handle the responsibilities of a young starting guard.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Carrington’s signature achievements are his triple-double in his college debut at Pittsburgh, a record-setting 42-point performance at the MLK Classic in high school, and his selection as the fourteenth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He also set a Saint Frances Academy record with more than 1,000 points in a single season and became one of only 11 NBA players to play all 82 games during the 2024–25 season.
Bub Carrington Career Wins
Throughout his basketball career, Bub Carrington has compiled a series of team and individual achievements at the high school, college, and professional levels. His success spans conference honors, tournament championships, and postseason NBA recognition.
NBA Highlights
During his rookie season with the Washington Wizards in 2024–25, Carrington played all 82 games and finished with averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. In May 2025, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, marking his first major professional honor.
Other Wins and Performances
At Saint Frances Academy, Carrington helped lead the team to a 29–11 record and an MIAA tournament championship in 2022–23, while earning first-team All-Baltimore Catholic League honors. In college, he posted a historic triple-double in his debut and earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors in consecutive weeks, becoming the first Pittsburgh player to do so since 2007–08.
Bub Carrington Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Basketball runs deep in the Carrington family. His father, Carlton “Bub” Carrington, was a basketball coach who inspired his son’s nickname. Carrington is also a second cousin of retired NBA player Rudy Gay, linking him to a long line of basketball talent.
Personal Life
Carrington is the son of Carlton “Bub” Carrington, who passed away in 2025, and Karima Carrington. He has two siblings, Kareem and Faith. His family roots in Baltimore and his connections to NBA alumni have shaped his basketball journey from an early age.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been a milestone period for Bub Carrington. In May 2025, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, capping a strong first season with the Washington Wizards in which he played all 82 regular-season games. His averages of 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game highlighted his development as a young guard.
As the Wizards continue to shape their young core, Carrington’s durability and consistent production have positioned him as a key figure in the team’s long-term plans. His rookie experience provided a foundation for expanded responsibilities in the seasons ahead.
Looking beyond 2025, Carrington is expected to take on a larger offensive role with the Wizards, building on his passing ability and scoring efficiency. With the franchise focused on growth, his continued development will be central to the team’s progress in the seasons to come.