HoopsHype.com Columns

Is this The Answer for Vince-anity?
by Dean Serravalle / May 8, 2002

After two disappointing first round playoff exits, the 76ers and the Raptors find themselves walking that fine line between shaking things up and initiating a complete overhaul. The ongoing feud between coach Larry Brown and Allen Iverson is no secret. Although personality clashes have subsided for some time, there are obvious philosophical differences.

Coach Brown wants Iverson to submit to the team concept, which involves setting an example both on and off the court. Iverson has been known to skip practices, arrive late and neglect offseason conditioning regimens. He walks to his own beat, although he has stated time and time again that his main concern is to win a championship. Never soft spoken, he strives to do it "his way." However, this attitude seems better fit for guard-starved New York, another rumored trade destination for The Answer, instead of the city of brotherly love.

Ironically, the same "team philosophy" shadows the Toronto Raptors these days. The team pulled things together, playing its best basketball towards the end of the season, when they were without Vince Carter. Never
begrudging his talent, it is also an attitude concern that seems to taint the next coming of Michael Jordan. Often criticized for his lack of defensive intensity and drive to win, Vince Carter has given disbelievers a reason to believe that this year's underachievement was no fluke.

So why trade one enigma for the other? Simply stated, this is fantasy basketball, and probably the only place where it makes sense. Both players are young and their salaries match. Each is a marquee name that sells tickets. On one side you have the league's leading scoring and on the other, the one who should be the league's leading scorer. Both players have the ability to dazzle; both have the talent to carry a team consistently into
the playoffs. And while one plays above the rim and the other below it, the trade seems feasible on so many levels but one - reality.

From a Toronto Raptors perspective, Vince Carter is basketball in Canada. A hybrid of aggression and apathy, he represents every Canadian sports enthusiast who doesn't play hockey. He is a fan favorite, someone Canadian
basketball fans link to Michael Jordan, a name who paved the way for NBA expansion into Canada. More importantly, Vince Carter decided to stay in Canada when others sought escape routes to better opportunities south of the border. His value to the Toronto Raptors exceeds statistics, and his public appeal has graduated to one of celebrity status. When one thinks of basketball in Canada, Vince Carter is definitely it.

From a Philadelphia 76ers perspective, the trade makes sense. Trading for Vince Carter creates a more logical union between coach and player, or two former Tar Heels. As well, Vince Carter resembles another highflying 76er, the one responsible for their last championship, the one who was also aggressive and apathetic, ironically at the same small forward position; a man by the name of Julius Erving, a.k.a Dr. J.

All comparisons aside, The Raptors cannot afford to lose Vince Carter. The risk is too high, and the repercussions too great for the only Canadian basketball team remaining in the NBA. Trading Vince Carter for anyone but Vince Carter would be pulling the roots out of the franchise and eliminating the growth achieved since his arrival three years ago. As for Allen Iverson, The Answer raises more questions than solutions for both teams considering the trade. Will the 76ers find a superstar in return? Should they trade him to a team in the same conference? Will he accept a change of venue even if it means another country?

Vince Carter for Allen Iverson. A rumor for now. A decision that could alter the parity in the Eastern Conference, or maintain it. On both sides, it's a reality that shouldn't happen.

Dean Serravalle is a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com

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