SHARE January 30, 2016 - Memphis Grizzlies Vince Carter argues a call to pick up a technical foul during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal)

By Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal

Vince Carter is sometimes taken aback.

There have been times this season when opposing teams and fans on the road have paid homage to his career as if Carter plans to retire after this season.

"It's a little weird," Carter said.

Not only have the past two games blared that Carter still has game, but the 39-year-old emphatically declared Wednesday that he hopes to mimic Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and complete 20 years in the NBA.

Bryant announced that he is retiring after this season. Carter, who in his 18th NBA season, plans to play next season and beyond.

"For sure," Carter said. "Did I say I was retiring? I'm very thankful for (the recognition on the road). Don't get me wrong. But I plan on coming back. I just go year to year at this point. I don't put a timetable on it. I don't want to say two years and then everybody says 'Well this is it, right?' But 20 years would be cool."

Meanwhile, the Griz are relishing Carter's hot shooting over the past two games.

He's averaged 13 points on 10-of-14 shooting, that includes five 3-pointers off eight attempts in significant minutes. Carter's three long-distance daggers in the final five minutes of a win Monday at New Orleans helped the Griz score their fourth straight victory.

He made a couple of 3-pointers two nights early as the Griz held off a late Sacramento Kings rally.

"I expect to play well," Carter said. "Don't get me wrong because it doesn't work out that way all the time. There's muscle memory and just believing in who you are helps."

Carter has been used sparingly this season, but he's been effective.

"There are times when you see more lively legs and it's awesome," Griz coach Dave Joerger said. "The last two games guys have been like 'Yeah, Vince!' It's fantastic. He's very versatile and you have to play him. He can make a 3 on you in two seconds. His experience and playing with Jeff (Green) and Matt (Barnes) is a unique look for us. They're kind of all the same, but they have different skills. They cover for each other really well. It's something I'm really comfortable with. They're all high-IQ guys and they make the game easier for each other."

Joerger said matchups and the flow of games dictates when he uses Carter. The veteran swingman has typically received cursory playing time in the first half of games to keep him engaged. But when Carter is on the mark, he's played nearly 20 minutes, as was the case in New Orleans.

"It's a tough position to be in, but staying ready is what it's all about," Carter said. "By staying ready you reap the benefits, and come out and play well. I know how to play the game. I've been here a lot of years. I get my work in every day so once I get my opportunity I'm ready to go."

Griz players are hardly shocked when the one-time dunk champion and high flyer delivers. Joerger credits Carter's work ethic and conditioning for his longevity.

"He's been blessed with an amazing body and he loves the game," Joerger said. "He loves everything that comes with it. He loves working out with younger guys and working out with older teammates. He can talk the game all day long."

The question is what Griz management will say to Carter at the end of this season. He signed a free-agent deal for three years and $12.2 million during the 2014 offseason. The third year of Carter's contract is partially guaranteed and that means the Griz can waive Carter with a $2 million buyout.

Teammates don't doubt that Carter's resiliency will help him end his career on his terms.

"Vince is one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He's a true pro," Griz point guard Mike Conley said. "You see him still above the rim. The hang time is not to the level that it used to be, but he's still doing it better than a lot of us. Like me, I can't do that now and I'm 10 years younger than him. He has an amazing work ethic and he really takes care of his body."