Vince Carter and Charles Oakley, both veterans of NBA lore, used to play together on the Toronto Raptors back in 2001. That year, the Raptors were in a tough series against Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The series went to a deciding seventh game, and the Raptors ended up losing. The Sixers went on the NBA Finals and lost to the likes of Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
On a recent appearance for Tom and Sid, Oakley alluded to a possible reason why the Raptors fell short. That same day, Carter was to attend the graduation ceremony for his college. He flew to North Carolina, participated in the ceremony, then flew to Philadelphia for the game.
Oakley said there was “no doubt” the team lost because Carter wasn't on his game due to attending his own graduation.
“It was important to him and his life … He made the right decision for him, but it wasn’t a team decision. He came in, played a good game, but it’s like a band member off key,” added Oakley, who played with Carter for three seasons in Toronto. “You know the difference.”
It's understandable for Oakley to be upset that he lost an opportunity to get to the finals. But to pin it on Carter because he wanted to be at his college graduation is ridiculous.
All Carter was doing was trying to enjoy one of the most important moments of his academic life. One's graduation will only happen once, and it's great that Carter decided to go to his ceremony.
Yes, the Raptors lost. Maybe Carter had a bad game because his pregame routine was disrupted. But in reality, things off the court often disrupt what happens on the court. This is just another example.
Oakley has no right to complain about what happened 17 years ago. It's fair to Carter.
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