One-on-One with Vince Carter
Vince Carter, the reigning NBA.com Slam Dunk king, took time out from his busy Olympic schedule to chat with fans around the globe on Sept. 22.
Carter averaged a team-high 13.7 points per game over Team USA's first three games of the preliminary round of the Olympics. His clutch floater with 41 seconds remaining sealed an 85-76 victory over Lithuania on Sept. 21.
In 1999-2000, Carter earned his first trip to the All-Star Game, one season after being named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He led Toronto to the postseason for the first time in franchise history by averaging 25.7 ppg (fourth in the NBA).
The most unusual thing about this trip has been getting used to the wheel on the other side of the car and driving on the other side of the road. Every time I cross the street, I look the wrong way; I almost got hit once.
Mark is a smart guy. He knows how to utilize his ability and strengths, and that's going to help.
I've spent significant time with each player, but three players I've gotten to know better are McDyess, Ray Allen and Allan Houston.
Wilfredo Moya at 6:19 p.m. ET
Hi, Vince, what's up? After that close game against Lithuania, what changes do you think the team needs to make to not let that happen again?
Vince Carter at 6:19 p.m. ET
Well, I don't think we need to make any changes. A win is a win. Everybody has expectations that we're supposed to blow everybody away, but each team is capable.
Go for the Gold at 6:20 p.m. ET
Which of your Olympic teammates is the toughest to guard in practice?
Vince Carter at 6:21 p.m. ET
Probably Jason Kidd in transition, because he's fast with the ball. When somebody gets a rebound and outlets to him, he's gone.
George Anthony at 6:22 p.m. ET
What is more important to you, winning an NBA championship or an Olympic gold medal?
Vince Carter at 6:22 p.m. ET
Well, to clarify that: They're both important. An Olympic medal means a little more because with an NBA championship, you have an opportunity every year. But the Olympics come every four years; if you don't do it this year, it's four long years until the next opportunity.
Jay Acevedo at 6:23 p.m. ET
Do you think that the Olympic experience will be helpful to your game for the 2000-01 season?
Vince Carter at 6:23 p.m. ET
No, because this competition is totally different in the way the game's played. In terms of being in shape and handling contact, yes, it will help. But the international game and the NBA game are different.
Jane at 6:24 p.m. ET
Has playing in the Olympics taught you anything about your game?
Vince Carter at 6:25 p.m. ET
I've learned a lot of different things from different players. The beautiful thing about this team is that guys are willing to help you, even though we play against each other during the NBA season. I just listen, and they've given me a lot of insight into things I can use in my game.
Destiny at 6:25 p.m. ET
Hi, Vince. I just wanted to know what the most exciting thing you have seen on your trip. Good luck!
Vince Carter at 6:26 p.m. ET
The most exciting thing was being part of the Opening Ceremonies. It's hard to explain to somebody, because what you see on TV and what you actually experience in being there are entirely different.
Wilfredo Moya at 6:27 p.m. ET
What do you think of your new toronto team and coaching staff, and how do you think your team will respond with these new changes?
Vince Carter at 6:28 p.m. ET
Lenny Wilkens is a mastermind of the game of basketball, so it's going to be exciting. I'm interested to see how things work out. It's going to be fun, because he's accomplished so much and the team has new pieces to the puzzle.
Johnny G. Good at 6:28 p.m. ET
What makes Mark Jackson such a good point guard and how will he make you and the rest of the team better?
Vince Carter at 6:29 p.m. ET
He brings experience. He's been to the playoffs and he knows what it takes to win. He's a great player and a great person, and I like our chances now. We have the opportunity to be right where we want to be, and that's to continue our playoff run.
Mark at 6:30 p.m. ET
Who was your favorite player when you were a kid?
Vince Carter at 6:30 p.m. ET
Doctor J, probably. I was a big Doctor J fan. I was a big Steve Smith fan, too. I've never told him, but I find myself watching him a lot and learning from him while we're here.
Daniel at 6:31 p.m. ET
Are there any players you've gotten closer with?
Vince Carter at 6:32 p.m. ET
One guy I hang out with and spend a lot of time with is Antonio McDyess. I didn't know him that well. ... Ray Allen and I were friends, but we're better friends now because of this trip.
Vince is God at 6:32 p.m. ET
Congratulations! Two straight years your picture is the Picture of the Year.
Vince Carter at 6:33 p.m. ET
I'm glad I can provide a great picture for people to enjoy. It's not something that I plan or that I try to make happen. I think the credit should go to the person who took the picture (Fernando Medina).
Upal at 6:34 p.m. ET
Hey, Vince, who are the biggest jokers on the team?
Vince Carter at 6:34 p.m. ET
Kevin Garnett, Steve Smith, Gary Payton, Vin Baker, Jason Kidd ... he's the silent assassin. Shareef. Tim Hardaway. Alonzo. More than half of the team!
Litning351 at 6:35 p.m. ET
Have you been inspired to compete in any other Olympic events?
Vince Carter at 6:36 p.m. ET
That's funny you ask that, because we were at a team dinner last night and we were watching track and field. I had this inspiration, this burning desire, to high jump. No training or anything, I just wanted to try it. I was really feeling the high jump. ... I was ready to catch a cab to the Olympic Park and learn to high jump.
Muggsy fan at 6:37 p.m. ET
How do you feel when you see kids wearing the jersey No. 15 with Carter on the back?
Vince Carter at 6:38 p.m. ET
It feels special and it's definitely a special feeling to see people wearing the Olympic No. 9 jersey with my name on it. And when I walk around here, I still see the Raptors jersey.
Vince Carter at 6:39 p.m. ET
Thanks to everybody for participating and listening. It's early in Sydney, but it was my pleasure to provide answers to your questions. Now I'm going back to bed. And make sure to check out www.vincecarterdirect.com.
