Raptors' Carter Is Top Rookie

Vince Carter, who nearly took the Toronto Raptors into the playoffs this season, was the overwhelming choice for the NBA's rookie of the year on Wednesday.

Carter, who averaged 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists a game, received 113 of the 118 first-place votes. Sacramento's Jason Williams received three and Boston's Paul Pierce got the other two.

Only Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan received a higher percentage of the vote this decade.

"I can't say I'm surprised," Carter said. "But I'm overjoyed."

Carter, the fifth selection in last year's draft, led all rookies in scoring and also was a key factor in the Raptors' improvement.

Toronto went from a 16-66 record in 1997-98 to a 23-27 mark in the abbreviated season this year.

"He has brought respect back to a franchise that people thought was on the brink of no return," Toronto coach Butch Carter said. "He has been outstanding as an individual, and has shown great character under a very stressful situation."

Carter was best known for his athleticism and has already been compared to another former North Carolina player, Michael Jordan.

"He's the best dunker I've ever seen," said former North Carolina coach Dean Smith, who also coached Jordan.

Carter left the Tar Heels early, was drafted by Golden State and then swapped almost immediately to Toronto in exchange for cash and his college teammate, Antawn Jamison who was the No. 4 pick.

Carter averaged 12.3 points over his three years at North Carolina. But like Jordan, his athleticism flourished in the NBA.

While many rookies were hurt by the NBA lockout and the shortened training camp, Carter took advantage of the situation.

"The lockout was good for me because it gave me extra time to work on my game," Carter said.

Carter is the second Raptor to win the award. Damon Stoudamire, who was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers last year after demanding a trade, was rookie of the year in 1996.

"This is a great honor," Carter said. "I looked at all the great players who have won the award and it's going to be tough to live up to the things they have brought to their organizations and basketball cities."

"But I'm going to try my hardest . . . to have a great career and do a lot of great things for the Toronto Raptors."

Carter hopes the award will get him a spot on the Olympic team.

"That's my ultimate goal," Carter said. "That's the highest honor you could ever achieve. I hope they consider me, but if not, I'll just work for the next one."

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