How Jason Kidd Elevated Vince Carter's Game with the Nets

Exploring the synergy between Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, and how Kidd's exceptional playmaking transformed Carter into one of the league's best.

© Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter, discontented in the closing months of his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, requested a trade that resulted in the Raptors management trading him to the New Jersey Nets, where he established a formidable partnership with Jason Kidd in the backcourt.

As soon as he joined the team, Air Canada started to become one of the best players in the league. He was being maximized with the Nets and that was mostly because of how Kidd was setting him up for open shots and dunks.

“I’ll tell you what, when you play with Jason Kidd, all you need to do is get open or make sure you’re prepared to shoot or lay the ball up or dunk the ball because the ball will be there when it needs to be there,” Vince said to The Athletic. “It was just different. I had more than a lot of respect for the point guards I’ve played with, but it’s just playing with a next-level point guard.”

Vince became one of the best shooting guards in the league

During his initial 57 games with the Nets, Vince Carter averaged 27.5 points per game, showcasing a stark improvement from his lackluster start to the 2004/05 season with the Raptors, where he only managed to average 15.9 points per game in 20 appearances. The decline in performance with the Raptors was indicative of his disengagement and lack of commitment to the team.

Carter's discontent reached a point where he openly expressed his reluctance to dunk, a move that had long been a primary weapon in his arsenal. This refusal to dunk served as a symbolic act of protest against his situation with the Raptors.

Toronto general manager Rob Babcock entertained multiple offers for Carter but they eventually decided on the Nets. It was a successful move for Vince as he became part of a Nets team that would compete to be known as the best team in the East alongside the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat.

Kidd was the perfect fit alongside Vince

As soon as Vince joined the Nets, Kidd accommodated him into their system. The former Raptor did not want to overstep and ask too much from Kidd, but the point guard made sure to tell Vince that he was the star of the team, and kept with pinpoint passes to help him score easily.

This forged a robust partnership that endured for about four years. Although deemed successful, its full potential was hindered by fierce competition from teams like Detroit and Miami. Nonetheless, reflecting on that period with the Nets is always nostalgic, especially for the thrilling synergy and highlight-reel plays of Kidd and Carter.

"I almost wrecked my car on the freeway" - Richard Jefferson after hearing he would be playing with Jason Kidd