Vince Carter was signed to a three year deal before the 2014-2015 season by the Memphis Grizzlies. It’s been an up and down ride for the savvy veteran who has played for multiple teams in his long career. As the Grizzlies’ grind towards the playoffs, will Carter be the key to a 2015 championship on Beale Street?

At times this season, Vince Carter has shown that at 38 years old, he still has the athleticism to compete with anybody in this league. He can still drain the three ball, take it coast to coast for an emphatic dunk, and finally scoop and score with absolutely no effort.

Statistically, Carter is having a terrible season for the Grizzlies. In only 15.8 minutes off the bench each game, he’s averaging 5.8 points and 1.8 rebounds. He’s shooting a career worst 33.9 percent from the field, and 27.8 percent from behind the three point arc.

We all miss the Vince Carter who blew us away at during the 2000 dunk contest when he played for the Toronto Raptors. Is he the All-Star he once was back in the prime of his career? Of course not. But his experience and versatility on the court can be beneficial in the Grizzlies’ pursuit of their first championship.

Vince Carter is the man. The myth. The legend. Even years past his prime, he can be the superstar that puts the team over the top. Looking at the 2014 playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs, he hit the winner in game three that game the Mavericks a 2-1 series lead. Unfortunately the Spurs went on to win the championship that year.

With the season coming to a close, it’s imperative that the Grizzlies’ have a proven winner in the locker room. They are a playoff tested team, and need a leader on and off the court. Mr. Vince Carter is the key to the Grizzlies’ winning their first championship.