RealGM

Big3 players split on Vince Carter’s NBA return: ‘There’s no upside for Vince’

Read on Twitter

I wanted to ask as many BIG 3 players as I could how they felt about Vince Carter re-signing with the Hawks for what will be his record-breaking 22nd season....most players in the Big3 are former NBA players who are either too old to continue playing at the highest level or are looking for their next professional contract.

Gilbert Arenas, a three-time All-NBA point guard, has been the most outspoken player in the Big3 on his feelings about Carter still being in the NBA at 42. Arenas wrote on Instagram that Carter was taking a spot on an NBA roster when, in theory, that spot could go to a young player fighting for his dream.

“There’s no upside for Vince. Let somebody else get in there and be the next Vince Carter.”


Nate Robinson said he feels no ill will toward Carter or any player still in the league who might be limited in what he can offer on the court.

“Everyone has their own opinion, but if you can still contribute and help your team, then why can’t he play?” Robinson said. "I don’t agree with Gilbert. I’m a fan of Vince Carter and have been since I was a kid. Seeing him continue to strive for his goals, I love it."



Jason Richardson, a 14-year NBA veteran, echoed Robinson’s sentiments and disagreed with Arenas’ take that the role of a veteran in the locker room is unnecessary.

“They need a veteran presence there, and what better person is there than Vince Carter? I think he needs to be there to teach these young guys how to grow," Richardson said.

Jamaaliver wrote:

Big3 players split on Vince Carter’s NBA return: ‘There’s no upside for Vince’

Read on Twitter

I wanted to ask as many BIG 3 players as I could how they felt about Vince Carter re-signing with the Hawks for what will be his record-breaking 22nd season....most players in the Big3 are former NBA players who are either too old to continue playing at the highest level or are looking for their next professional contract.

Gilbert Arenas, a three-time All-NBA point guard, has been the most outspoken player in the Big3 on his feelings about Carter still being in the NBA at 42. Arenas wrote on Instagram that Carter was taking a spot on an NBA roster when, in theory, that spot could go to a young player fighting for his dream.

“There’s no upside for Vince. Let somebody else get in there and be the next Vince Carter.”


Nate Robinson said he feels no ill will toward Carter or any player still in the league who might be limited in what he can offer on the court.

“Everyone has their own opinion, but if you can still contribute and help your team, then why can’t he play?” Robinson said. "I don’t agree with Gilbert. I’m a fan of Vince Carter and have been since I was a kid. Seeing him continue to strive for his goals, I love it."



Jason Richardson, a 14-year NBA veteran, echoed Robinson’s sentiments and disagreed with Arenas’ take that the role of a veteran in the locker room is unnecessary.

“They need a veteran presence there, and what better person is there than Vince Carter? I think he needs to be there to teach these young guys how to grow," Richardson said.

The Athletic

It’s a great opportunity,” Carter said. “The big picture of it all, I can still work on life after basketball, broadcasting and just being around that. Close to family. My daughter is now a high schooler so – I don’t talk about my daughter much but she is a high schooler and playing varsity. She is a freshman but she’s playing varsity volleyball so I get a chance to watch her. On off days, I’ll probably make that trip to Charlotte a couple times to watch her play. It all makes sense. For me, I just want it to make sense. If there was a great opportunity elsewhere, I definitely would look into it but I just wanted it all to fit. When you are going into your last year, you just want it to be a smooth ride, for everyone really.”

Jamaaliver wrote:This math boggles the mind:

Read on Twitter

Synopsis:

1. Great being back especially around the new guys already, they want to be good, already asking questions.

2. He's 100% player, no coaching for him

3. Preseason and training camp takes a toll on his body since it's getting back into a rhythm.

4. They'll be trying to win, it's a young crew but the returning players (Trae, John, Heurter and Bembry) all had great years.

5. Once game slowed down for Trae, he took off.

6. Hunter and Reddish both hsve high bball IQs, great potential.

7. Thoughts on Emory training center, he called it 'My Friend'. Facility is put together for players to succeed.

Carter describes himself as an “open book,” happy to share advice with his teammates. That’s what Charles Oakley did for him in Toronto, and it’s what he loves doing for fellow Hawks. 

Last season, he worked with John Collins on the power forward’s footwork. He talks with Young about how to shoulder the pressure of being the face of a franchise, something Carter knows plenty about. He works with Huerter on how to take that next big leap in his career. 

Coach Lloyd Pierce lets Carter address the team in practice, if there’s something he wants to say. That took some getting used to. 

“I don’t want people to feel like I’m taking over practice,” Carter said. “It’s just that sometimes I see things and it’s a team thing, we’re trying to win. It’s not like I’m trying to be a coach. I don’t want to be a coach, but I want to help these guys. I want to be a mentor, I want to be a leader of the team, even though I’m not the face of the team. I’d love to still be a leader. And these guys can rely on me, good and bad.”