Raptors agreement with Carter

Saturday, 05 December 2009 23:19

Written by Administrator

The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday they have reached an agreement in principle with guard-forward Vince Carter on a multi year contract extension that will keep him with the Raptors through the 2007-08 season. The extension will take effect following the 2001-02 season, when Carter's current contract expires. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "This is a wonderful day for the Raptors and basketball in Canada," said Glen Grunwald, senior vice-president and general manager of the Raptors. "Not only is Vince a superstar on the court, but with the time and energy he devotes to charitable causes, he is one in the community as well.

"A huge part of the decision for me was the direction of the team. 'Are we putting ourselves in a position to contend year after year?' With the job Glen did this summer, I think we've done that. It sends a message to the rest of the league, and I wanted to reinforce that message today. "It's important to me that the fans understand how much they influenced my decision as well. Their support of both me personally and the team is unbelievable. We have a great situation happening here in Toronto and we want to build on it this season."

Carter, 24, has led the Raptors in scoring in each of his three NBA seasons. He averaged 27.6 points last season, fifth in the NBA. He set career highs in scoring average, three-point field goals made (162), three-point field-goal percentage (.408), minutes per game (39.7) and steals per game (1.52). He led the Raptors in scoring in 67 of his 75 appearances. He recorded a season-high 48 points November 18 versus Milwaukee, including a team-record 30 points in the second half. Carter tallied 46 points at Phoenix on December 30, setting team records and 2000-01 NBA season highs with 22 free throws made and 28 free-throw attempts. He tied a franchise record with 23 consecutive 20+ point games (February 27-April 13) and set a new franchise mark for 30+ point games in a season with 30.