Brooklyn Nets: What Ever Happened to Vince Carter?

Mar 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) celebrates during the game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter will be remembered as a Toronto Raptor, but his best years were arguably in New Jersey. Looking back at what Carter did in New Jersey, he is easily one of the best Nets of all time. Vince Carter’s time with the Nets was short, but he made sure to leave his mark.

Looking back at the 2003-04 season, the Nets were one of the top teams of the East. The team would finish 47-35, good enough for the second seed in the playoffs. Unfortunately, they failed to capture the same magic from 2002 and 2003. After reaching back-to-back NBA Finals, the Nets would lose in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Detroit Pistons 3 games to 4.

In the 2004 offseason, Kenyon Martin decided to part ways with the Nets. The successful roster that the Nets had throughout the early 2000s had thinned out. This would lead to the Nets seeking trade options. Meanwhile in Toronto, Vince Carter had problems of his own. Due to injuries and failure to take the team far into the playoffs, Carter was up for grabs for the right price. With Chris Bosh as the team’s future investment, Carter was moving sooner or later.

On December 17, 2004, New Jersey struck a deal with Toronto. They put together a package of Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, a 2005 first round pick, and a 2006 first round pick. In return, the Nets received Carter. Carter’s production took a big hit in the 20 games with Toronto in 2004. He was averaging numbers well below his normal production. For Carter, it was time to get to work and rebuild his reputation.

The Rise of V.C.

The Nets had been trying to build something for the future. Jason Kidd had microfracture knee surgery in the 2004 offseason, causing him to miss the start of the 2004-05 season. With Kidd returning and Carter on the scene, the Nets were back at a competitive level. Furthermore, in Carter’s first season with the Nets, he averaged 27.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Due to an injury to Richard Jefferson, the Nets were not at full strength the whole season. Consequently, the Nets finished 42-40. They made the playoffs, but lost to the Miami Heat in the first round.

The 2005-06 campaign had much more promise for the Nets. All players were healthy and fans would finally get to see the trio of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson at work. To no surprise, the Nets became one of the most exciting teams to watch. Seeing Kidd run the floor with Carter and Jefferson on the wings was truly amazing.

Carter continued to show that he was an elite player. He was the Nets’ leading scorer, averaging 24.2 points per game in the 2005-06 season. Not only could he could score, but the way he scored was what got fans excited. He was still more than capable of throwing down a monstrous dunk. Not only were the dunks phenomenal, but Carter’s ability to finish around the rim was jaw dropping. Also, seeing Kidd throw alley-oops that only Carter could catch was a sight to behold.

Next: Achievements with the Nets

Achievements with the Nets

During Carter’s time with the Nets, he averaged 23.6 points, 5.8 rebound, and 4.7 assists per game in the 374 games he suited up for the Nets. Not only are the 374 games he played for ranked 18th of all-time for the franchise, but it is also the most games he played with any team other than the Raptors.

As for all-time achievements, Carter is third on the Nets’ all-time scoring list with 8834 points. He is third in three-pointers made with 638. To top it all off, Carter made three All-Star Games while in New Jersey.

Next: All Good Things Come to an End

All Good Things Come to an End

Oct 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) looks on prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The numbers do not tell the whole story with Carter. Carter was must-see player on television. Every night, he would do something that blew away the minds of many. From his dunk on Alonzo Mourning, to his 360 layup of the whole Lakers team, to the game-tying shot he hit in the 2005 NBA Playoffs, Carter was thrilling to watch. On June 25, 2009 the Nets traded Carter and Ryan Anderson to the Orlando Magic for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, and Courtney Lee.

In the end, Carter is one of the best players to ever put on a Nets jersey. In due time, the Nets will most likely retire Carter’s number. For now, fans can still see Carter play. Carter is aiming to play 20 seasons in the NBA and is coming close to that goal. He will suit up as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies for his 19th NBA season. Now is the time for any Vince Carter fans to show him appreciation because he will not be around much longer.