Vince Carter wins NBA Teammate of the Year award

Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter has won the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.

The NBA announced Carter as the winner on Wednesday. The award recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, leadership on and off the court as a mentor or role model, plus commitment and dedication to the team.

"That's who I am," Carter said before Game 3 in Cleveland on Wednesday night. "I just try to be a great teammate."

Carter was introduced by Shane Battier, who was wearing one of his Miami Heat championship rings. Carter, 39, said he still wants a chance to be part of a Finals win of his own.

"Being here is pretty awesome as well," Carter said.

More than 300 NBA players voted through confidential balloting conducted by the league office. Twelve nominees were chosen by a panel of NBA greats as well as executives from the NBA and National Basketball Players Association. Carter received 1,448 points and 65 first-place votes in the balloting. Minnesota's Kevin Garnett was second with 916 points and 39 first-place votes. Miami's Chris Bosh was third with 799 points and 18 first-place votes.

Formerly known as "Air Canada" during his time north of the border, Carter was a fan favourite in his early years with the Raptors. However, Toronto struggled in the early 2000s and fans and critics questioned his commitment to the club. Carter's numbers dropped and rumours circulated that he wasn't happy in Toronto.

In the end, Carter reportedly asked for a trade prior to the 2004 season and was dealt to the New Jersey Nets in December of the same year. 

Now an 18-year veteran, the eight-time All-Star has reworked his game and is a valuable part of the leadership group of the Memphis Grizzlies.