Carter admits he dogged it

TORONTO – Vince Carter’s former teammates were dismayed Friday after hearing him admit he didn’t always try his hardest when he played for the Toronto Raptors.

In an interview broadcast Thursday on TNT, network analyst John Thompson asked Carter if he pushed himself as hard as he should have in Toronto.

“In years past, no,” said Carter, acquired by the New Jersey Nets on Dec 17. “I was fortunate to have the talent … you get spoiled when you’re able to do a lot of things. You see that you don’t have to work at it.

“Now, with the all the injuries, I have to work harder. I’m a little hungrier. Getting a fresh start has made me want to attack the basket.”

Many have questioned Carter’s dedication, his commitment to off-season conditioning and his desire to improve, but some were surprised to hear Carter acknowledge it.

“It’s a reflection on him and his character,” Raptors guard Rafer Alston said. “Is he a guy that you can go to war with night in and night out? That’s what a lot of people are going to be questioning.”