Vince Carter is hosting his yearly basketball camp at the Nets’ practice facility in East Rutherford this week. Today we had the chance to speak to him for the first time about all of the changes his team has undergone this offseason. First, Richard Jefferson was traded for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. Then the team drafted three rookies that same night. Nenad Krstic is gone and so is Boki Nachbar. In are Eduardo Najera, Jarvis Hayes and Keyon Dooling. The Nets have made some nice additions this offseason but none of them are named Jason Kidd. So Carter was asked what he thought and whether he’d be requesting a trade at some point because it seems obvious that this team will not be winning a title anytime soon. He smiled and said what he had to say, but we’ve been around pro athletes too long to say that means a thing. Anyway, here is some of what he said: On whether he’s questioned any of the moves or plans to question the moves (it’s hard to transcribe a tape when 100 little kids are screaming in the background): “I don’t question it. It’s not my job. My job is to perform and get the job done on the court.” On the fact that he’s going to be the team leader now that both Kidd and Jefferson are playing elsewhere: “This is my opportunity to step up and be a leader on and off the court.” On what it will be like playing with so many young teammates, as the Nets have seven players who have two years or less experience in the league: ...
Anytime
