Odds Still List Raptors as Favorites to Sign Vince Carter Ahead of 2019-20 Season; Knicks Given 2-1 Odds
- Vince Carter has decided to return for his 22nd season
- Carter had 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game with the Atlanta Hawks last season
- Toronto is a -210 favorite to sign the legendary former Raptor
Vince Carter has announced that he’ll be back to play one more year. The question is where will he play his 22nd season in the Association.
The Toronto Raptors are now favored to sign Carter, according to a new prop at sportsbooks. But the New York Knicks are in the running, as well as the New Orleans Pelicans.
Let’s take a closer look to see who is the best bet.
2019 Vince Carter Free-Agency Odds
| Team | Odds to Sign Vince Carter |
|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | -210 |
| New York Knicks | +200 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +650 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +1100 |
| Orlando Magic | +1600 |
| Charlotte Hornets | +1600 |
| Golden State Warriors | +1600 |
*Odds as of Jul. 23.
Carter Coming Off A Productive Season
Carter signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks last year and, while many figured he’d be an end-of-the-bench guy, he proved to be a respectable contributor. Carter scored 7.4 points per game shooting 41.9% from the field and 38.9% from three. He also added 2.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.6 steals in just 17.5 minutes per game.
When you take a look at his overall PER, 11.83 is not bad when you consider how little time he spent on the floor. Even though he’ll be 43 years old in January, he’s shown that he can still contribute.
Of course, the Hawks roster was short on talent in a rebuilding campaign. He figures to end up in a similar position; he’s not going to be a key piece on a contending team.
However, there are some reasonable fits out there.
Raptors Are Favored
The Raptors are favored because Carter was a legend with the franchise and it would be a great storybook ending to his career. He could come back to the place where he became a star and give the fans a hit of nostalgia.
From the Raptors’ perspective, they’re the defending champs, but that will soon be in the rearview mirror. It feels like a full-on rebuild is inevitable as players like Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka are all in the final year of their contracts.
If this team does sell everyone off for parts, having Carter around could soften the blow.
Pelicans Don’t Make Sense As A Destination
The Pelicans don’t really make sense as a destination as they already have a loaded roster. They aren’t a team that’s rebuilding; they’ve rebuilt. With a backcourt that includes Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, J.J. Redick and Josh Hart, there’s no need or room for Carter.
Scratch the Pelicans off the list.
What About The Knicks?
The Knicks are a possibility but they really don’t need another veteran when they have to develop so many youngsters. Dennis Smith Jr., R.J. Barrett, Allonzo Trier and Kevin Knox have to receive the bulk of the minutes and the first three spots. After that, there’s Elfrid Payton, Ignas Brazdeikis and Damyean Dotson. The team also signed Reggie Bullock.
Where would carter fit in there? The answer is he doesn’t, so don’t expect it to happen.
What’s The Best Bet?
The Raptors are the play that makes the most sense but if you’re not feeling the value at -210, take a flier on the Hawks at +1100. They had a positive experience with Carter and might bring him back as their bench is still a bit thin.
For over 15 years, Dave has been working in mainstream media and sports betting. He hosted a station on Sirius Satellite Radio for four years, and is currently a senior writer for AskMen. He's interviewed hundreds of hundreds of high-profile sports stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Floyd Mayweather.
