Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Vince "The Choke" Carter




Another playoff game brought forth another chance for Vince Carter to take that next step towards superstardom. The stage was set for Carter to make the game winning play in a game that the Nets needed for a legitamate chance to stay alive in the playoffs, and he dribbles off his foot out of bounds.

Carter is one of those remarkable athletes whose God-given abilities make you drool at the sight of him, but after watching him year after year in the playoffs you realize they are just a tease. Ever since his third season in the league, when he flew to North Carolina to recieve his Diploma the morning of game 7 versus the 76ers only to arrive back at the game just prior to tipoff, Carter has failed to deliver when on the biggest stage. I would never fault anyone for feeling the need to be present at their graduation, but the basketball Gods might not feel the same way.

Carter figured to be the heir apparent to Michael Jordan at that point, but as his career unfolded from that point on, he has never become more than a Dominique Wilkins. Wilkins, like Carter, was a tremendously talented player that never quite put it together enough to get his team to that next level. Both players thrive in an individual game, but individual talent does not go very far in the playoffs. Carter's weakness were never more apparent than they are right now. He is on a Nets team with the ultimate playmaker of this generation in Jason Kidd, but that has not translated to him becoming a superstar along the lines of Kobe or DWade. Kidd's ability to facilitate all of his teammates should allow Carter to take over the game as a scorer, but Carter fell in love with his jumper long ago. Instead of attacking the bucket when his team needs a hoop he floats around the perimeter eventually settling on a contested jumpshot.

There should never be a moment like last night when Eric Snow keeps him from getting to the hoop for the final play. Snow is 4 inches shorter than Carter and is not close to the same athlete as he is, yet Carter allowed Snow to dictate the play, which eventually led to him dribbling off of his foot. This is typical of the ever maddening career of Vince Carter. A career in which he will lead your team in scoring every season, but should touch the ball with the game on the line.

Carter will be a free agent this offseason, and will undoubtably get paid like a superstar. However, I warn all teams who think he can be the face of their franchise to take a look at his playoff failures before showing him the money. Vince Carter is nothing more than a Choker!

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