Grind City Views: For a rejuvenated Vince Carter, age is just a number

Welcome to Grind City Views, Beale Street Bears’ roundup of the most relevant Memphis Grizzlies, or in today’s case, Vince Carter stories from across the web.

The Memphis Grizzlies 39-year-old guard/forward, Vince Carter, has shut down the critics who were clamoring for the future Hall of Fame inductee to be cut or traded during the preseason. Over the past three games, Carter has averaged 19.0 points, 3.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds on 60.0 percent shooting from the field and 41.2 percent from behind the three-point line in 32.1 minutes per game.

His presence on the court this season, however, isn’t new, as Carter has played 27.7 minutes per game this year. The only other players in NBA history to record over 25 minutes per game in a season in which they were 40 years old by Feb. 1 (which Carter will be) are John Stockton, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Robert Parish. 

Not bad company to be in.

After another clutch performance on both ends of the floor that was highlighted by a clutch dunk in the final minute of a win against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 14, Carter has the whole league’s attention.

Age is just a number, y’all.

Why Vince Carter’s night wasn’t a case of temporary Vinsanity [ESPN]

“He’s also willing to do anything to help the Grizzlies win. As his beard has grayed, he has become a glue guy capable of serving as an occasional go-to guy. His contributions in the locker room, from counseling Randolph on making the transition from starter to reserve to taking young players under his wing, might be as valuable to the Grizzlies as his on-court production.”

Having a team of guys that know their roles — and more importantly, embrace them — is a key to having a successful team.

Vince Carter Continues To Be Amazing [HoopsHabit]

“In the twilight of Vince Carter’s career, he has become the quintessential three-and-D guy, a crafty veteran who has seen and done it all and has much more left in the tank than anybody could have imagined even a month ago. While many NBA players who get to leave the game at a time of their own choosing may overstay their welcome, it appears Vinsanity himself is not as close to being done as we once thought.”

So much for washed up, eh?

Report Card: Memphis Grizzlies at Utah Jazz [GrizzlyBearBlues]

“Vince is shooting lights-out from deep lately, connecting on 6 threes and shooting 54.5% from beyond the arc in this game. He’s also picking up slack as a secondary ball-handler, getting the ball up the court, and making savvy veteran plays on defense (like well-timed double-teams and no-jump blocks).” 

More from Beale Street Bears

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• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

GrizzlyBearBlues.com gave Carter an “A” rating on its report card from Monday.

In crunch time, Vince Carter wins one for the old guys [ESPN]

“But 39-year-old Vince Carter got the best of Andrew Wiggins, 21.

Wiggins finished with a game-high 25 points, but he didn’t score in the fourth quarter until a pair of meaningless free throws with 1.9 seconds left. Give Carter credit, as the old man made things difficult for the young gun down the stretch of the Memphis Grizzlies‘ 102-98 win over the Timberwolves.”

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Vince Carter joins exclusive club with his 20 points Monday [USA Today]

“Over the last 40 seasons, only two other players age 39 or older registered at least 20 points and five rebounds as a reserve: Patrick Ewing (2001) and Michael Jordan (twice in 2002).”

Again, not such bad company to be in. It’s hard to imagine Carter not setting a league-record for the most 20-point, 5-rebound, games by someone at least 39 years old.

Next: Scouting the L.A. Clippers