Thursday, February 7, 2013
Is Dallas intent on keeping Vince Carter?
By Joe Kaiser
Vince Carter has reportedly been told that he won't be traded before the Feb. 21 deadline.
In a story today by Jeff Caplan of NBA.com, Carter reveals that Dallas coach Rick Carlisle pulled him aside last week and indicated that he won't be traded.
That's music to the 36-year-old veteran's ears.
“I’m happy where I am. I feel like my role here is needed,” Carter said. “It’s a perfect position as a mentor, as a player, as a spark. I’m OK with that. I feel like for me, if they need me to start I’ll do it. If they need me to come off the bench, I’ll do it. I’m still going to play my same game and be effective. I’m a team guy and I want to see our team have success.”
Even at his age, Carter has been vital to the Mavericks this season as the primary bench scorer and underrated perimeter defender. He is signed through next season, due to earn $3.18 million in 2013-14, and that would be a steep bargain as long as he plays anywhere close to the same he's played this season.
