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.