Carter won't step aside for Jordan

Vince Carter will start the NBA All-Star Game and enjoy the experience. Speculation that he may bow out of the starting lineup to allow Michael Jordan one last hurrah is just that… speculation. Jennifer Quinn of the Toronto Star reports that Carter was puzzled by the notion.

"Next question" was his response to the initial inquiry. When prodded, Carter explained, "It's not like I planned on getting injured, but, you know, it happened. I'm thankful for the opportunity to play regardless of the amount of games I've played, and that's why I've taken the initiative to get back and get healthy and then play in some games so when I go in the All-Star Game I can go out there and have a lot of fun."

A recent Washington Post story said that there is a "chance one of the starters" could give up that honour for Jordan; the Washington Times says only "there has been some speculation that Carter, who has appeared in just 11 games this season due to injury, will allow Jordan to start."

It has happened in the past. Doug Collins allowed John Havlicek to take his starting spot in 1978. Tim Hardaway let Magic Johnson start in 1982. Carter said he intends to take his place alongside the other Eastern Conference all-star starters: Tracy McGrady, Ben Wallace, Allen Iverson and Jermaine O'Neal. As a reserve, Jordan will be appearing for the 14th time.

"It is what it is. The fans vote on who it is they want to see, and who are we to change that?" former all-star Antonio Davis said yesterday.

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Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards

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Toronto needs to trade

The problem with a team who is riddled with injuries is that these players mend and come back, and in such a situation what happens to the ones who were brought in as replacements? This is exactly the situation the Toronto Raptors will find themselves in according to Doug Smith of Waymore Sports, who writes that the Raptors will soon have eight guys available who play the shooting guard or small forward positions - including superstar Vince Carter and his sidekick Mo Peterson.

The solution for the Raptors is the must dump some bodies before the Feb 20 trade deadline, and with GM Glen Grunwald in daily contact with the league's other general managers it is safe to presume the Raptors are trying to do just that.

The Raptors have already tried to pull off a blockbuster trade involving Portland's Rasheed Wallace, but that deal was rejected by the Blazers.

With Carter said to be untouchable that doesn't leave the Raptors with many options to play with. They would hope to lure a young, aggressive center according to Smith, but then again you could also count the majority of the league as trying to do the very same thing.

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Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers

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Raptors want Keon back

Keon Clark in Toronto? While the financial matters that led to Clark’s departure and the comments he’s made about Raptors star Vince Carter may have rubbed Raptor fans the wrong way, Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun writes that the Raptors are very much interested in bringing him back.

Clark never wanted to leave Toronto, but the team’s financial woes forced him to take a more lucrative offer from the Sacremento Kings. And while his comments questioning Vince Carter’s toughness could pose a problem, the Raptors don’t feel a rift between the two should prevent them from trying to reacquire the 6-11 forward.

In order for Toronto to get Clark, they will have to free up some salary. According to Zicarelli, Morris Peterson and Lindsey Hunter appear to be the most likely candidates to be dumped.

Peterson is eligible for a contract extension this summer, and based on the numbers that are floating around, the Raptors won’t be able to afford him. Hunter has not fit in with the Raptors this season and remains inactive with a sore back.

Clark would help strengthen the Raptors weak frontcourt and act as the perfect compliment to Antonio Davis up front. He has many supporters in the Toronto locker room and front office and he remains a fan favorite.

Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reports that with players coming back from injury, the Raptors bench will start getting crowded soon. In an attempt to adjust, GM Glen Grunwald has been busy working the phones looking for a trade.

Smith reports that sources close to the team said that Grunwald has approached Portland with a blockbuster offer for Rasheed Wallace, only to be turned away.

With trades in the NBA based on contracts more than talent, it's anyone's guess what Grunwald can accomplish before the trade deadline. On thing he's looking for is a young, aggressive centre, someone who can run the floor, block shots consistently and show an occasional offensive game.

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Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers

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