February 8, 2005

NOT SURPRISING THAT VINCE HAS RETURNED TO ELITE LEVEL

      I don’t know why so many people are surprised that Vince Carter is playing at a high level in New Jersey.  He is re-invigorated playing next to Jason Kidd—a player that is his superior in talent, work ethic, and character—and playing in the large New York market.  When the trade took place I predicted that Vince would find his passion again and become the player everyone thought he could be—for a short period of time.  Sooner or later, though, the real Vince Carter—the soft, self-indulgent malingerer-- will return, much to the delight of his detractors.  In the meantime simply enjoy his exploits Raptor fans and remember what it was like, four years ago, when Vince was performing like this in Toronto.

       There is little doubt that Vince’s decline as a player began the minute he suffered his first serious injury.  After that his high level performances became few and far between, leading into this year’s very public sulk.  Vince was obviously coasting as a Raptor this year, and it was not unexpected given his ‘trade me’ stance.  The Nets aren’t doing anything differently from what the Raptors did—they give him the ball, either in the post or at the top of the circle, clear out space, and let Vince make a play.  The difference is that as a Raptor he was taking the easy way out, lofting jump shot after jump shot.  Now as a Net he is driving the lane and forcing the defense to either leave his path unimpeded to the basket or send some help down low and open up a teammate on the perimeter.  It is very simple basketball—one that got the Raptors to the playoffs in consecutive years (Vince was injured when the Raptors made it the third year).

       Vince knew that if he did not return to an elite level of play once the trade went down that he would be vilified, not only in the New York press, but also all over the US.  This was his last chance.  With Kidd leading the way, and with fellow perimeter player Richard Jefferson out of the way, Carter found his stride.  His 360 degree lay up in Los Angeles was the signal that Vinsanity had returned, and it isn’t surprising that Vince is putting up 40 point nights again.  He has found his passion again, and his work ethic has been pushed by Kidd the way it was pushed when he first came up by Charles Oakley.  In between Carter didn’t play with anybody he felt was worthy of his respect.

       But just when the league and its fans start to believe that Vince is back, and the highlight reel dunks will follow expect Vince to wear down from all the minutes he’s playing, and then get injured.  When Vince reaches a level of pain tolerance, the level that separates the character players from the ordinary ones, that is when Vince’s true colours will show.  

       For all you Vince haters—be patient, he will return to earth.