VC Taking It Easy.

New Jersey fans who saw Vince Carter played this season may think it's the same VC that came to the Nets 2 1/2 seasons ago. Enthusiastic and reborn in another team . But a careful examination of Carter's moves by ' trained ' eyes ( Translation : Toronto basketball fans ) , will tell you that they have seen this act before . In a far more blatant display . Yes , Carter is still currently averaging 27 ppg and 5.7 rpg but he seldom drives to the basket much less executes his crowd pleasing dunks. Carter can do a lot more to inspire the Nets. He's far from the rejunevated Carter with his rev up the motor after every dunk posing ( see top photo ). ' I consider Carter a superstar . I don't know why some people don't '. said ESPN'S Bill Walton of Vince in the 1st Nets-Suns game this season. Maybe that's why !

Coincidental to Carter's uninspired play is the Nets struggling . Or is Carter like this because the Nets are struggling ? Very early this season , VC was topping the NBA scoring chart . Lately , he's slowed down . In the game against the soft defending Celtics , VC was still in single digit in the 4th quarter until a barrage of points coming from post up plays . Not drives to the basket . In his last year with the Raptors , Vince contented himself with shooting from the outside . ' Dunks are overhype anyway. Besides , Chris Bosh can dunk . There are others ( in the Raptors line up ) who can dunk . ' said Carter then . Of course,VC will not dog it anymore . He has seen how his image has fallen after the Toronto experience . Let's just say , Vince will take it easy until he joins a new team !