Vince Carter explains why he signed with Kings instead of title contender

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Vince Carter has played in the NBA for 19 years. He's been the postseason 11 times. He's played in 88 playoff games.

But he's never won an NBA title.

With his career winding down, no one would have faulted the eight-time All-Star if he signed with a contender in pursuit of that elusive ring.

Instead, the 40-year-old Carter signed a one-year deal with the rebuilding Kings worth $8 million.

The Kings, stocked with tons of young talent, won't be mistaken for a title contender this season. So why did Carter decide to come to Sacramento?

"Great opportunity for me. I always liked the state. At this point, it's not really about the money, moreso than the opportunity. I still want to play in this league. I didn't want to sit and collect a check and ride a wave of some championship team," Carter told NBC Sports California's Jim Kozimor and James Ham at Kings Media Day on Monday. "Yes, that's sound great. I'm just at a point where I just feel like I can contribute at a high level. And maybe down the line, maybe that option I'll really embark on. Until then, I want to play, I want to contribute and still help the young guys get better and go through the ups and downs of this league, cause I've been there."

Carter and fellow grizzled veteran Zach Randolph join a Kings squad featuring five rookies -- De'Aaron Fox, Justin Jackson, Harry Giles, Frank Mason III and Bogdan Bogdanovic -- as well as four second-year players in Georgios Papagiannis, Buddy Hield, Skal Labissiere and Malachi Richardson.

Last season with the Grizzlies, Carter averaged 8.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 73 games.

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