HoopsHype.com Columns

Air delay?
by Dean Serravalle / November 20, 2002

Vince Carter represents everything that the Raptors have been, are, and will ever be in this league. His extraordinary athleticism, his penchant to hit incredible shots, and his respect as one of the NBA’s brightest stars are unquestionable. However, his recent injuries have shed light on a number of obvious realities for the Toronto Raptors, some that coach Lenny Wilkens needs to consider in order to take the next step towards an NBA championship.

First and foremost, and for some Catch 22 reason, Vince Carter’s absence has inspired a more blue-collar work ethic on the court. Leading this effort are seasoned veterans like Alvin Williams, Jerome Williams, Antonio Davis, and newly acquired Voshon Lenard. Not only have these players rallied around their fallen general, but also they have done so admirably, in a determined, defend first kind of way. This improved “help defense” attitude has also seeped onto the offensive side of the ball, where points do not come as easily without Vince, and must be created with deft passing, good use of the clock, and sharing the ball. Why else would the Raptors boast four starters who average double figures, and two coming off the bench nearly averaging double figures. The assist ratios have also improved.

So, is this to say that Vince Carter is more the hitch in the wheel than the hub? Are we to assume that Vince Carter falls into what seems to be a trend of me first superstars more concerned with marketing their abilities than winning championships? Definitely not. The Raptors will go nowhere without Vince Carter, and let that be written in stone. However, the philosophy of the team changes when he’s on the court and it is the opinion of this journalist that it’s more because of his gifted talents. Here’s why.

Vince Carter’s superior athletic abilities set a distorted example for the rest of his Raptors teammates. Sure, he can receive the ball, spin around, fade almost into the stands, and hit an extraordinary highlight reel shot – but the rest of the guys on his team cannot, and should not, for that matter. And although such shots find the bottom of the mesh sometimes, they set the wrong example for younger players like Morris Peterson who are trying to learn how to play within their limitations. Ironically, while Vince seems to exhibit no limitations, a quality that sets him apart from the rest of his teammates and many in the league, this reality adversely affects team play. The team doesn’t have to work as a whole to get a good shot because there exists the possibility that the “air apparent” can hit one anytime, any place, and under any circumstances. Not only does this realization hamper team play, but also it inadvertently breeds laziness and in turn creates holes in the armor of team chemistry.

Furthermore, on both sides of the ball, the Raptors’ game revolves “around” Vince Carter instead of working “through” him. Because Vince is prone to taking any shot he so pleases, he doesn’t exploit the weaknesses of the opposing defense, eliminating any game strategy that might include the others. Instead, his ill-advised shots (when they are not going in of course) do not create contribution from the rest of the team. If anything, they promote the philosophy that if there is an open shot, take it, without considering better shots that are available for others on the team, shots that are “makeable” for them, if he were to draw double, triple teams, or drive relentlessly to the basket. And the same analysis can apply to the defensive side of the ball, where Vince has to lead the way by stopping opposing superstars so that others will follow suit and be held accountable.

As always, it starts and ends with Vince Carter but he is not the scapegoat. His play on the court is a product of his amazing talent and the endless possibilities it preaches. Yet, this form of nobility can be as detrimental as it is promising to a surrounding cast of players who are not fully benefiting from his apparent gifts, and in turn are misinterpreting their roles when he’s on the court. A similar situation has been noted with the championship Lakers, who, without Shaquille O’Neal have entrusted the team to Kobe Bryant, whose similar abilities have distorted the roles of other players on the team, roles so aptly established by Phil Jackson. Teamwork is a fine balance in the NBA. The very concept implies equality, which is very difficult to believe in if there are others, like Vince Carter, whose upside potential is infinite.

So, what solution is there for Vince Carter and the Raptors team? Can they coexist for the sake of chemistry and one direction? Perhaps it’s time to ask the general to join the troops on the ground instead of flying so high above them.

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