Off The Court With Vince Carter!

(Photo courtesy of Darryl Briggs)

He’s “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” and has a ton experience, a gold medal and over 20,000 points on his resume. Vince Carter is becoming an elder NBA statesman and loving every minute of it. “Vinsanity” was kind enough to talk shop with Blitz recently and here’s how it went down:

Blitz: Hi Vince, we hear you just turned one year older. How do you feel about that?

Vince Carter: I feel pretty good for what it is. You know it’s not enough. I’ve got to help set the tone for the team. Being the oldest that’s the tone I want to set particularly with the younger guys. Regardless of your age or your time on the team, go hard and earn your minutes. I’m just trying to set an example…at this tender age.

Blitz: Speaking of age and longevity, Shawn “The Matrix” Marion just played his 1,000th career NBA game. What does that say of him and what you’ve seen of him as a player?

VC: Longevity. He’s continued to do what needs to be done. There are a lot of guys circulating through the league and it seems that they keep getting younger and younger. But there are a lot of older guys who are still making their way, playing well and dominating. He’s one of them. He’s still one of the better defenders in the league, relentless on the boards and I think the ways he’s playing you’d think he’s a young pup. Hat’s off to him for putting his time in, staying healthy and staying in good shape.

Blitz: We’re fast approaching the All-Star break and you’ve been down this route many times before. Is there an issue with young players going through a lull and their focus not being there?

VC: It’s a force. Finally getting a break and getting to go back home for a few days to spend with friends and family so it’s our job as veterans, guys who’ve been around to police that as best we can. Help them understand that, particularly for us; we’re playing catch up. We’re not in the top three in the West. So every game is important for us. These younger guys are as important as us older guys. We need them focused. When the break is here, the break will be here.

Blitz: The Mavericks have been winning most of their games recently, but even in the losses they’ve played close. This team does not quit…

VC: That’s what it’s all about. That’s what I am trying to bring to the table. The energy, it’s important. Not just the scoring, even though that’s important; but just going after it. Just continuing to play regardless of the score. Let’s go out and play. Play for pride. Play for what’s on your jersey and see what happens. Instead of always looking at the score when the other team makes a basket because I think in your mind and in particular the young guys you’ll end up trying to do too much. The score will just get bigger and bigger. Let’s just play and see what happens.

Blitz: Does a part of you relish the role of being a mentor to the youngsters?

VC: I love it! It helps me. I play with those guys. I enjoy playing with those guys. I say since you guys can run the floor, run and I’ll look for you since you’re a little a faster than I am. These guys appreciate that. Sometimes they’re worried about making the right play or worried about making a mistake and if the coach is going to take them out of the game. I try to be the comforter out there. I say play as hard as you can. I’m with you. It’s kind of like in college after every big play or dead ball, guys get together to go over a coverage or a play. That’s what I try to do. Keep guys focused. Keeping everybody in and focused. Not worrying about the outside stuff like making a mistake. Once you take that worry away, you see the results. It works and it helps me and the team.

Thanks Vince!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will