SACRAMENTO - Vince Carter smiles a lot more these days, even if the Nets' record isn't soaring above .500. He is the elder statesman on a team populated by a lot of youth and he simply enjoys the role.
But that role brings responsibility, and Carter has embraced that, too. So when the Nets were thrashed over the last 19 minutes by the Lakers Tuesday in Los Angeles - "We were like a puff of smoke," team president Rod Thorn said, "there one moment, gone the next" - Carter stepped forward to shoulder the blame. "We were in the game, we played a decent first half of Basketball, then our energy, effort, intensity - whatever word you want - left the building," Carter said. "Of course, it starts with me. I feel that I have to provide the energy or scoring or whatever, and it just didn't happen."
That is part of Carter being the leader. The Nets, who continued their Thanksgiving trip here against the Kings last night, respect Carter, admire Carter and like Carter.
"Vince has been great," Thorn said, "not just on the court but with our younger players. He seems to be very happy. He likes the leadership role. I think what's important is he likes these guys and these guys like him. Vince is a focal point around the team."
When Carter arrived in December of 2004, he joined a team with an unquestioned leader in Jason Kidd and another leader-type in Richard Jefferson. Carter deferred. He signed a $61.8 million, four-year contract in the summer of 2007.
When Kidd wanted his extension, he cited Carter's deal to those around the team and in the organization. When it didn't come, Kidd was upset and Carter was an easy target. Carter faced aggravation he didn't warrant.
But Kidd and Jefferson have been traded away and the Nets are rebuilding with youth and a star in Carter, who turns 32 in January. Carter has scored, he has passed, he has led. He gave a performance in Toronto last week that was nothing short of brilliant.
"Vince has a fire that is contagious," said Sacramento's Mikki Moore. "A lot of people have counted out the Nets, a lot of people doubt them because they're young and they have all those new faces. But they have Vince, a great leader."
That is what Carter, averaging 23.5 points (eighth best in the league before last night while Devin Harris was ninth at 23.0) is attempting to do when he steps up and accepts blame for a loss.
Don't point to Brook Lopez missing a ton of point blank shots. Don't get on Yin Jianlian for defense that was as formidable as a 2-week-old kitten. Blame me, said Carter, who doesn't want the young guys hanging heads.
"It can happen, no denying," said Carter, who always is quick to include Harris in any talk of team leaders. "That's a natural reaction. But it's all about positive thinking around here."
