Why the New Orleans Pelicans should chase Vince Carter in free agency

Vince Carter still believes he’s got something left to offer at the age of 42 years-old. The oldest player in the NBA publicly stated his wishes to return for what would be his 22nd season in the league. A free agent this offseason—and with a potential revamping of the New Orleans Pelican’s roster at hand— he would be the perfect candidate to usher in a newfound culture in the Big Easy.

Lots of you 25+ year-old New Orleans Pelicans fans will remember when Vince Carter rose to NBA prominence at the beginning of this millennium. Yes, he has been around the block a few times. He represented hope for not just a franchise, but an entire country when he was a member of the Toronto Raptors. A transcendent figure in Canada’s basketball lore, his high-flying antics and overall otherworldly highlights made a generation fall in love with the game.

When his athleticism began to deteriorate; and when he no longer flooded ESPN’s highlight room with dunks the game has never really seen before, he re-invented himself for longevity. Now—jump to today—his veteran presence and ability to give quality minutes when asked has kept him in the league.

In 2018-2019, he knocked down 1.6 threes a game at a 38% clip. And with the ability to stretch out and play the four, his versatility at the age of 42 is actually pretty astounding. The New Orleans Pelicans struggled mightily knocking down the long ball. That’s not a well-kept secret. They also have one of the younger rosters in the league. They lack a player that can provide guidance and clarity. Vince Carter fits the bill in that regard nicely.

What could appear a deterrent is his lack of championships. You might think he would want to give it one last go around, play for a ring, and retire into the sunset. That’s not Vince Carter. When asked that question last offseason, here’s what he had to say about “ring chasing” in a recent interview:

"“I come from an era where that’s not how it was. So that’s still instilled in me. And I don’t have any problem with how it’s done now. (It’s) just not for me,”“I still want to play the game,” Carter, the oldest player in the NBA said. “Whatever minutes are there, I want (them).”"

The New Orleans Pelicans are likely entering a new era. With David Griffin on board, the dynamic of the team could drastically alter these upcoming months. With the potential of going even younger via an Anthony Davis trade, they’re going to need a veteran presence to aid Alvin Gentry and the rest of the coaching staff. What’s also noteworthy is Gentry and Carter have a history together, be it brief. In 2010-2011, Vince Carter played 51 games in Phoenix under Alvin Gentry.

You would have to think that acquiring Carter would not break the bank, either. Last season with the Hawks, he made $2.3 million—so with that potential price tag, the Pels would not cripple themselves with the acquisition. What do you think of this hypothetical move? Just a pipe dream? Or should the New Orleans Pelicans really look into this? Let us know in the comments below!