When Carter's last-second shot bounced away, ending the Raptors' season in Game 7 of last year's Eastern Conference semifinals, Carter shrugged. He offered an `oh well,' shrug. If he was pained, he didn't show it. Every bit of his expression and body language said he tried, and that he really would have preferred that the shot went in.

But didn't seem to care, much less hurt.

As a season that began with debate over whether the Raptors should be the Eastern Conference favorites has collapsed into a debate over whether this is one of the most overrated or underachieving teams in years, Carter seems to be satisfied with going along for the ride.

Would Allen Iverson allow his team to collapse as the Raptors have? Would Kobe Bryant? Cousin Tracy McGrady?

We don't even have to ask about Magic Johnson, Larry Bird or Michael Jordan.