Offseason questions: Is there still room for 'Vinsanity' in Dallas?
Earl K. Sneed continues his offseason questions series, taking a look at the role 14-year veteran and eight-time All-Star Vince Carter is likely to play for the Dallas Mavericks this upcoming season.
Offseason questions: Is there still room for 'Vinsanity' in Dallas?
He’s only an eight-time All-Star and perhaps the greatest Slam Dunk champion of all time.
Only?
With several new additions to the backcourt, veteran swingman Vince Carter has seemingly become the under-the-radar man for the Dallas Mavericks this offseason. Newcomers Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo figure to headline a backcourt this season that also features re-signed Delonte West, budding star Rodrigue Beaubois, two-year pro Dominique Jones, rookie Jared Cunningham and eight-year vet Dahntay Jones.
But where does Carter fall into the mix?
The 6-foot-6 former North Carolina standout averaged 10.1 points in 61 appearances during the shortened season a year ago, making 40 starts and connecting on 36.1 percent from 3-point range during his 14th campaign. Still, with the Mavs getting younger at the guard positions after veterans Jason Kidd and Jason Terry departed during free agency, Carter’s role may change in 2012-13.
Now that Mavs coach Rick Carlisle has plenty of able-bodied youngsters to choose from, Carter’s best chance at playing time may be by assuming more of a bench role while backing up Shawn Marion at the small forward position. He also may see more time in the post, showing the ability to both score and initiate offense from the block.
But the highflyer may see his playing time cut even more so after clocking a career-low 25.3 minutes a night last season. Still, that shouldn’t change Carter’s ability to perform when called upon.
Carter scored in double figures 31 times during regular-season play in both a starting and reserve role. That included a season-high 23 points when the offense ran through Carter out of the post in a 117-110 home win over Houston on April 18 with the Mavericks fighting for their playoff lives, which prompted Carlisle to say, “He’s a tremendous all-around player. His passing ability is something that’s frequently overlooked, because he’s a highflyer and scorer. … We need his all-around ability.”
“Just having the opportunity with the ball in my hands to make plays, it was just like old times,” Carter modestly added after finding success as a playmaker while posting up. “Just for me, I feel comfortable in that position and [Carlisle] has been giving me the opportunity to be aggressive. I just have to make the right play out there.”
Carter also made it clear that he will accept any role assigned to him, willing sacrificing his own individual achievements for the one missing accolade on his resume: a championship.
So, don't be surprised if you see No. 25 operating as a point forward out of the post this upcoming season when he enters the game. You can also still expect a few vintage 'Vinsanity' moments when he rises for the occasional highlight reel dunk.
