Did you see, VC?

Vince Carter, are you back?

Vince Carter recently erupted for 48 points in a game where the Orlando Magic may have needed him most. Following an impressive victory over the Boston Celtics, the Orlando Magic faced the New Orleans Hornets in a grueling back-to- back. The Magic appeared slow-footed early as they fell behind by as much as 17 in the first half. The Magic, in need of energy looked for Carter and he delivered.

The Fans could not believe the unexpected performance. Dwight Howard even poked fun at Vince Carter following the game for his uncharacteristic scoring output. An Orlando Magic fan on Realgm.com noted that the TNT broadcast crew also made several references to a changed revamped Vince Carter. “How many times throughout this video did Marv Albert say "And we're seeing a different Vince Carter." (See the TNT broadcast below) The widespread amazement in Carter’s performance sparked several questions. Is this Vince Carter here to stay?

What do I think?

Vince Carter has shown recent progress as a member of the Orlando Magic. He may be beginning to understand his role on the team. The idea is to not force much but to remain aggressive.

Keep in mind Carter excelled in a situation where he was the go-to guy. This is similar to his days in Toronto and New Jersey when Carter was the main scoring option. However in Orlando, this is not case with Dwight Howard down low, and Rashard Lewis on the perimeter. Thus the situation was calling for a Vince Carter eruption Monday night, Howard was in foul trouble and the team fell down by 17 points early. Carter became Orlando’s go-to-guy.

Carter had a terrible month of January averaging less than 10 points per game. In February he is averaging above 25 points per game. Carter usually avoids contact and has relied heavily on his jump shot as of late. The results are indicative in his monthly stats, its either feast or famine. The inconsistency in his offensive production is alarming considering he doesn’t provide much on the defensive side of the ball.

End Result: Vince Carter is effective when he is driving to basket as a slasher and passer. Until he can establish himself in this role, he will not completely replace the utility of Hedo Turkoglu and the Magic will not improve from a year ago.

Vince Carter’s 48 point performance is due to?

Let’s access our Technical foul to the terrible Hornets Defensive strategy. They allowed carter to get any shot he wanted. James Posey‘s defense was as embarrassing as Damon Jones underneath a Lebron James tomahawk dunk. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jUUMCvLPFU) No double team was considered and Carter dictated and took whatever he wanted as he scored over 30 points in the second half. Check out the description of the fourth quarter according to nola.com...

“Vince Carter is running circles through the Hornets' defenders. Carter's 15-foot jumper and 3-pointer has tied the score at 106 with 5:22 remaining. Carter has scored 38 points. The Hornets are unraveling…”

A final and honest assessment of Vince Carter's season can be reviewed when the playoffs arrive. Scoring 48 points is impressive, yet it means little in the grand scheme of things. Sadly, anything short of a finals appearance will be seen as a failure for the Orlando Magic and Vince Carter whether Vince does well or not.

Vince Carter's 48 point performance.





Fan Reaction Link: http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=985231
Nola.com http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2010/02/new_orleans_hornets_vs_orlando_1.html