Dallas Mavericks: Vince Carter Should Retire A Maverick

Vince Carter is a rare breed.

There aren’t many players in NBA history that can adjust their game the older they get. Knocking on the doors of 37 years old, Vinsanity could win the Sixth Man of the Year award this year and add a notch to his soon-to-be Hall of Fame career.

So why not give Carter the chance to retire as a Dallas Maverick?

Well, VC is a free agent after this season and it’s never too early to think about the possibilities of who’s coming back or not, especially in Dallas.

Carter was asked about that very situation on Friday, and not only does he believe he’ll stay after this season in Dallas, he feels like he’s earned that right.

Via The Dallas Morning News:

"“I think I’ve earned the right to stick around. My fingers are crossed. Next year might be even better. We can attract some more people, more talent. Now I know my role, and I know the system, it’s second nature to me now. I know the city very well. I’m stepping out, going to SMU games and getting out and about.I’m very comfortable here. I like the guys. I like the nucleus we have here. With my role and the way I play and the way I go about things, it really helps guys here. And they like that. Hopefully, that’s enough so that they can still have trust in me enough to play significant minutes and help the other guys out.”"

Even though it’s a stretch that Carter will win an NBA championship in Dallas — unless Mark Cuban can pull an unthinkable rabbit out of his hat and lure a big-ticket free agent to pair with Dirk Nowitzki — the loyalty is extremely noticeable. The fact that Carter has found a confident team to end his career with, Cuban should really consider signing him to a one or two-year deal.

There aren’t many players that’ll be available in the summer that can give better — or even the same — kind of production as a sixth man like Vince, and Dallas knows they’ll get him at a bargain rate.

Even while losing (almost) all of his athleticism, he’s found a way to make his game more effective. Carter’s shooting 39 percent from 3-point range, averaging 12 points and almost three assists per game. Make no mistake about it: There are those times where you can’t help but get giddy when he throws down a Vintage Vince slam.

Kind of like this one.

But it’s not just the dunks or the fact that his name is Vince Carter. There’s always room for veterans on a roster, and VC may be one of the last remaining true vets that can contribute at a high level. The best days of him are long gone, and he now knows he’s not being asked to be the superstar like he once was.

Put me down as one of those who believe that Carter will still perform at a quality level as he nears 40 years old. Then he can retire as a Maverick.

I’m all for it.

You can find Danny Webster on Twitter @DannyWebster21.