http://www.nypost.com/sports/35584.htm
BARGAIN BASEMENT PETER VECSEY
December 3, 2004 -- AIDED and abetted by the Raptors' rookie coach, Sam Mitchell, Vince Carter has devalued himself to such a degree in the first 17 games of the season that Isiah Thomas' skeleton crew may be inching into inside position for his stained services.
Earlier this week in Miami, during an astonishing victory considering a season high 34 points and 17 rebounds by Shaq, Carter was the Raptors' SEVENTH leading scorer; five points off nine lousy shots for a guy pocketing $12.9 million this season and $13.8M, $15.1M and $16.3M over the next three.
But, hey, at least the floundering franchise player was doin' time for a change when this game was decided instead of bein' served a bench warrant. For whatever reason — defensive indifference, offensive nonchalance, couldn't care less — Carter has in dry dock the entire fourth quarter three times.
Not this time, though. The perpetual All-Star may not have been intimately involved in point production, but at least he was doin' something right — in Mitchell's mind, anyway — to justify his presence on the floor, where he was almost completely ignored.
Surely that would change when the Raptors broke a time-out huddle for the game's most important possession at 92-all. Others had gotten a chance in the closing minute or so to ice the Heat and failed. Surely it had to be Carter's turn now with 20-something seconds remaining in regulation. Surely he'd steal the last scene. Surely the critical scheme would have his DNA all over it.
After all, how long can a superstar hide in the weeds without utilizing his skills to vaguely near capacity? How long can a team's official scorer hang out on the perimeter without regularly being called upon or called out? How long can one of the NBA's most prized and publicized players remain a decoy before his pride ruptures or he depreciates altogether?
I informed the kid sitting next to me the ball would wind up in Carter's hands for the final shot. When Rafer Alston dribble-penetrated toward the center of the paint, I told him to look for a kick-out to Carter in the corner, from where he would take it strong to the rack. I would've bet anything that would be the play, which is why there's such a heavy demand for loan sharks.
Alston never so much as pretended to pass to Carter or faked a peripheral peek his way. Mitchell's strategy was designed for none other than 6-10 Donyell Marshall, fresh off the injured list, stationed in 3-point territory. Fortunately for the Raptors, his misguided missile clanked wide left to Jalen Rose, whose two subsequent free throws at the 15.9 mark ultimately settled matters — the game, as well as Carter's future in Toronto.
Despite Thursday night's trivial pursuit of 21 points while getting sandblasted, 129-108, by the Magic and a recent statement re his willingness, if not eagerness (he can't bring himself to lie to that level), to remain a Raptor, all Carter's vital signs are flashing warnings of wanting out.
The semi-retired flash-dancer exhibits little love for the game, has practically no bounce in his step and has become an infrequent flyer, the combination of which translates to a 7-year career low in scoring average (under 15) and field goal (40) percentage. All staged, no doubt, to wear out his welcome and save his legs for a stateside employer, preferably Camp Cablevision.
Naturally, all of the above, the half-steppin' and the disinterest is imprudently irrelevant as long as teams like the Knicks, Blazers, Bulls, Hornets and Grizzlies keep foggin' up GM Rob Babcock's phone lines with persistent, if not heavy, panting.
Indisputably, Carter's stock is down appreciably. At the same time, Babcock remains commendably patient. All it takes is one head-over-heels suitor and the Raptors are liable to get what they want. And what they want is to include Rose's 3-year commitment ($14.4M/$16.6M/$16.9M) in any deal involving Carter.
The Knicks, though not flaunting especially enticing assets (Tim Thomas and Penny Hardaway; Toronto would save nearly $48.5M in the process) have always been willing to comply with that stipulation.
Babcock thinks there's better where that came from. So he's hanging tough, praying Carter's self-respect and market value don't completely deflate and hoping a more striking proposal is forthcoming in terms of enhanced talent and fewer years and guaranteed money.
The Blazers appear to be the only other team that can qualify on both scores. Plus, they've got the urge. Since the summer there have been all sorts of offers, counter-offers and rejections. Within the last week, the Raptors declined a straight-up deal involving Shareef Abdul-Rahim for Carter and two others consisting of a first round draft pick and either Damon Stoudamire or Nick Van Exel.
Again, the Raptors insist Rose be included. From what I'm told, the Blazers are seriously thinking about it, to the point of scouting Carter scrupulously against the Heat and the Magic. Sources say Babcock was asked a few days ago if he'd accept Derek Anderson's 3-year ($8.4M/$9M/$9.7M) pact along with Shareef ($14.6M) and Van Exel ($11.9M; next year's $12.8M isn't guaranteed) or Stoudamire ($12.5M) as part of the package.
That's where it stands. Neither side has committed one way or the other, but something could happen at any moment. If it doesn't, should the Blazers back off for good after what they may or may not have seen in Florida, the Knicks, indeed, may have established inside position.
For better or for worse.