A s it appears the Phoenix Suns are willing to part ways with eight-time All-Star Vince Carter, it makes us wonder where ‘Vinsanity’ will end up. Is it possible the one-time highlight reel player will retire if released, or will a contender see Carter as having gas left in the tank and pick him up to fill a specific role.
Although Carter has seemingly lost a step in recent years, we all know that age can’t keep a jump shooter down. Just ask Ray Allen. I hear he’s still pretty good.
We know the New Jersey Nets are looking to add some pieces, and Vince Carter couldn’t hurt. He’d add some depth to the team at the forward position, and provide leadership for their young guys. But Carter has already spent significant time in Jersey, would he want to reunite with the team that’s struggling to rebuild?
Oklahoma City Thunder, too, since the trading of Jeff Green, have been looking for someone at Carter’s position. Carter is versatile and can play either in the backcourt or small forward. And while you may wonder why the contending Thunder team would want Carter, keep in mind they have one of the youngest average ages in the league. They could use some veteran leadership.
If Carter went to the Philadelphia 76ers, he’d have Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights to mentor with his veteran experience. But would Carter be happy with all the mentoring, but not a whole lot of minutes?
We all know that the Denver Nuggets either need to get their players back from China, or get some warm bodies. Carter would more than suffice and fit in with the Karl run and gun offense.
Carter would add experience and depth, backing up Luol Deng in Chicago. Although his role would be to add a spark off the bench, would Thibodeau and Carter butt heads over his lack of defense?
Bring Carter to the Los Angeles Clippers, it might have a similar effect. Lots of young players. But, here you have a superstar at the power forward spot, Blake Griffin. Imagine the dunk reel you’d have on this team. Carter may not be as quick as he used to be. But don’t sleep on him throwing down some oops.
What about the Indiana Pacers? They just made it to the playoffs last year. The Pacers have a young team; they are growing, looking to improve, and they could use some veteran leadership. There may not be as many minutes at the forward spot because of Danny Granger, but Carter could switch off at the forward and guard spot to get his minutes.
Vince Carter would make a nice pairing with Paul Pierce and the rest of the big three in Boston. Can you imagine trying to defend Ray Allen and Vince Carter on the perimeter for more than a few minutes a game? Both can shoot with range and take you off the bounce. Could be a good fit on a team of veterans for chemistry purposes.
Now, the New York Knicks, on the other hand, really need to build around their two superstars, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. Carter could really be useful for them. With Billups still manning the point, the Knicks might finally have some depth, at least in the backcourt.
The Miami Heat have a player they can add. VC, Wade, James, and Bosh? Tempting. If for nothing else but to put even more butts in seats.
Personally, I think this member of the 20,000-point club still has a little something left in the tank, so I hope a contender picks Vince Carter up and give him one last run at a ring.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
