Two months after being traded from the Toronto Raptors to the New Jersey Nets, a happier Vince Carter lashed out at his former self Wednesday. Carter, who’s rejuvenated his career with the Nets, is a visibly different player since the trade, putting up much better numbers and playing with greater intensity and energy. “I’m glad to be gone, I really am. I was miserable playing as myself,” said Carter. “I totally dogged it, and made sure everyone in Toronto knew I wanted out. I didn’t play hard or score much either. Now that things are good again, I look back and wonder how I managed to play in that environment day in and day out, as depressing as I made it.”

Carter, who’s averaging 26 points a game with the Nets—11 more than he averaged with the Raptors this year, said he’s much happier playing as a version of himself who cares. “Back in Toronto, I had a loser’s mentality and I didn’t get along with myself. Plus, my chemistry with myself was horrible,” said Carter.” I guess it just didn’t seem like I cared. I mean, I wasn’t dedicated to the team and I sat out games with injuries I could have played with. Really, I have to question if my heart was ever in it. It’s just good to be playing somewhere where I care. I can’t begin to explain to you how good it feels to be playing as my present self.”

ORIGINALY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 10, 2005 IN VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9