Carter showing he can still have impact as a role player
Vince Carter was once one of the best players in the world. He dunked over seven-footers, dropped 30 points with casual flair and was unstoppable on a nightly basis. Obviously, at 38 years old, Carter is no longer the player he once was. But he's still useful.
Here's more on Carter's slow yet seamless transformation from superstar to pivotal role player, courtesy of Sporting News' Steven J. Gaither:
"Carter’s 5.8 points per game this year is light-years from his 19.4 career average, but that’s not why the Grizzlies brought him in. He’s there to play solid defense and provide leadership. And every once in a while, he shows flashes of "Vinsanity," his nickname during his high-flying days for the Raptors. He posted 10 points and seven rebounds in Game 4 against the Warriors, an ugly home loss that the team needed silver linings in."
Hampered by a foot injury for most of his first year with the Memphis Grizzlies, Carter is only averaging 16.7 minutes per game in the playoffs. But don't be surprised when he gets up for a dunk or knocks down a classic fallaway jump shot.
Carter still has some productive basketball left in his legs, and the Grizzlies will need all of it if they want to defeat the Golden State Warriors.
(h/t: Sporting News)
Photo Credit: David Richard/USA TODAY Sports
