Stan Van Gundy Takes Vince Carter to Task Defensively

Posted Sep 30, 2009 3:00PM By Tim Povtak (RSS feed)

Filed Under: Magic

It didn't take long for Magic coach Stan Van Gundy to let his new star know that no one is immune from his sometimes-biting, often-surprising critique.

Vince Carter -- the eight-time All-Star -- caught Van Gundy's wrath Wednesday, just the second day of training camp. Often treated with kid gloves during his time in New Jersey, Carter became the example of what not to do late in the morning practice.

"He (Carter) did not play well defensively today. He didn't do a good job out there. He's capable of doing a lot better, and that's what I want to see," Van Gundy said. "As a matter of fact, we'll talk to him about that and show him some (film) clips tomorrow."

Van Gundy was particularly upset when Carter fell asleep on one defensive possession, allowing J.J. Redick to catch and score on a back-door play.

"No, I'm not surprised (about Van Gundy's criticism)," Carter said when told of Van Gundy's assessment. "You can have 12 turnovers (and nothing is said) with him, but you let one guy go back-door and get caught looking, he'll let you have it. I won't make that mistake again."

Carter, now going into his 12th NBA season, was obtained in a trade from New Jersey this summer. He is the one expected to put the Magic over the top after they lost badly in the NBA Finals in June.

"He did not play with great focus, particularly near the end of the scrimmage," Van Gundy said. "He just didn't do as good a job as I know he's capable of. He's a smart guy and capable of being good defensively. He wasn't at that level today. I think he would tell you that, too."

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

9-30-2009 @ 3:34PM

Kyle said...

And it begins…

10-01-2009 @ 8:05AM

sbcoach7 said...

Sargent Carter could play better defense.

9-30-2009 @ 4:02PM

cttc4 said...

Vince did'nt come to Orlando to play defense. He's a scorer, period, and he's not gonna change.

9-30-2009 @ 4:46PM

alakhdarm said...

That's right, he is a scorer and should preserve his energy to mostly help offensively

10-01-2009 @ 11:10AM

racings12a said...

There are 2 sides to the game and no matter how good a scorer you are if you don't play defense and your guy scores it doesn't matter how many points you score. If you score 20 and the guy you're guarding scores 30 how good are you to any team!

9-30-2009 @ 8:49PM

burt said...

do you think they're still on speaking terms?

9-30-2009 @ 10:04PM

Lakergregg said...

He should preserve his energy for offense?
I'm a life long Lakers fan and I can honestly say defense wins championships.
This is just the beginning as I predicted when the trade for VC was made, by mid-season Howard and Carter are badmouthing Stan Van Dummy and Jeff Van Dummy will be defending baby bro on tv.

10-01-2009 @ 10:42AM

B is daillest said...

Stan is the older brother

10-01-2009 @ 10:44AM

one4badtwo4good said...

"I'm a life long Lakers fan and I can honestly say defense wins championships."----And the Lakers can thank the Celtics for teaching them that lesson!

9-30-2009 @ 10:19PM

tyayyo99 said...

ive never known vc to make ANY defensive plays..van gundy tryna turn apples into oranges....hes better off puttin VC on the bench and starting Pietrus!!!!!!!!!!!

9-30-2009 @ 10:40PM

CARTERSAGURL said...

Carter's God-given talent is matched only by his lack of guts and commitment. Lazy bastard.

10-01-2009 @ 6:56AM

mdbw46 said...

Keep the name calling to yourself. How you know he's a bastard because it takes one to know one. Think before you speak.

10-01-2009 @ 4:34AM

Mr.G said...

Whew...Poor old Vince is takin' a beating on this board.

10-01-2009 @ 5:09AM

Giles said...

Vinsanity will probably play a reasonably well rounded game for his assistant coach, Pat Ewing, even if he might not for Stan Van Gundy. He may prove every bit as good a leader, as a guard, as Turk was, as a forward. But they are still going to need to try to get improved point forward leadership out of Lewis, and they are going to need Howard and Lewis moving their feet, on both ends of the court. Just standing around pouting, demanding the ball, won`t give Carter or Nelson openings to be able to pass to them.

10-01-2009 @ 7:46AM

Koch said...

Better be careful Gundy you are inviting al sharpton to come out there and give you the racist speech. After all vince not playing defense is probably part of his culture.

10-01-2009 @ 7:48AM

Better watch it Gundy. you are inviting al sharpton to come out there and give you the racist talking too. Besides vince not playing defense is probably part of his culture, you know like vick and killing dogs.

10-01-2009 @ 10:29AM

mrross019 said...

Koch your a fool,Only a fool like you would try to inject race into a sports story.Go worry about getting an education,not Sharpton

10-01-2009 @ 7:50AM

shalebrook said...

Vince issimply too old to be of much help. His legs are going and he has never been a willing passer or defender.

10-01-2009 @ 8:44AM

Bryce said...

While I completely agree that each player has to excell defensively for a team to be a winner. The point I question is why coaches will blast a player to the press instead of handling it privately. I suppose with some superstars that may be the only way to motivate, or is is something else? Sad state of affairs!