Vince Carter gave up in Toronto
Vince Carter has looked like a different player since joining the New Jersey Nets and there's a good reason why â he didn't always try his hardest when he played with the Toronto Raptors.
In a broadcast interview with U.S. cable station TNT, Carter said he didn't push himself hard enough in Toronto.
"In years past, no," he said. "I was fortunate to have the talent. You get spoiled when you're able to do a lot of things. You see that you don't have to work at it.
"Now, with all the injuries, I have to work harder. I'm a little hungrier. Getting a fresh start has made me want to attack the basket."
Carter made the comments after questions surfaced about his dedication to the game when he played with the Raptors.
Carter was irked by the criticism.
"Guys compare it to Michael Jordan, the game face. I have that," said Carter. "But I enjoy basketball. I love to smile. If I'm not smiling, then it's a problem ... then I'm really not competing.
"Everybody looks at it like, 'This is the way this guy plays.'Some players have said just because they approach the game that way, that I should. And I still have the same results in the end."
The five-time NBA all-star struggled with the Raptors to start the season, but has since turned around his game with the Nets.
He is averaging 22.5 points per game in New Jersey, compared to 15.9 points in 20 games in Toronto this year.