Vince Carter fits right in with the Grizz
The Grizzlies’ signing of Vince Carter last night was a lot of things. It was a smart move financially, as the deal is expected to be over three years for $12.2 million, with the last year not being guaranteed. The deal also brought a veteran presence, in a player who is a class act, and is one who can mentor all the young players on the team. Signing Carter brings in a player who can play small forward as well, which is a huge positional issue for the Grizzlies right now. Carter isn’t a long term solution, but he is more productive than Tayshaun Prince. If they were able to move Prince and bring in another younger small forward, then they along with Carter, could make a formidable one-two punch.
The Grizzlies need scoring–Carter can provide
Vince Carter has been a hall-of-fame talent his entire career, despite not winning multiple championships. His game is predicated on his scoring and athleticism, the former of which he can still do very efficiently. The Grizzlies have needed a scorer for quite some time, as they have consistently ranked in the bottom of the league in points per game. Carter isn’t going to be able to carry the scoring load, but he will definitely contribute. His three point shooting has been better in his later years, as it was at 39.4% last season. His ability to stretch the floor is going to open up the paint for Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, which will be great for the Memphis offense.
Sir Charles In Charge
Jordan Adams just got a mentor
Jordan Adams was the Grizzlies 22nd pick in this years NBA Draft, and he just got someone to look up to in Carter. Adams has shown flashes of great potential during the Summer League, and if he can translate that to the NBA level, he can be a very good scorer. That being said, there are few players that will be able to show him the ropes like Carter can. Carter could, and to a degree still can, score from anywhere on the floor. If he can mentor Adams and help him learn how to fit in with this offense, then signing Carter is an even greater boon for Memphis.
Carter leads by example
Vinsanity is the ultimate professional. He gets along with his teammates, doesn’t complain, and leads by example. He has never been know to be a headcase, especially in his later years, and is known to be a great teammate. Adding another veteran voice who is going to impact the team statistically as well, can only help the Grizzlies. It’s especially important to have players like Vince when you have a young head coach. Dave Joerger will be going into his second year, and having a positive voice from a vet like Carter will help him out dramatically.
It’s time to go Vinsane
I think I speak for the majority of Grizz fans when I say that signing Vince Carter was a fantastic move. All the qualities that he will bring to this squad are positive, and Memphis will appreciate him come this next season. Carter will help improve this team from a chemistry standpoint, as well as help out on the court with his scoring. This was a great, great signing for Memphis, and things are looking up as we continue into this off-season.