When Vince Carter was a rookie in 1998, teammates such as Charles Oakley, Kevin Willis, Doug Christie and Dee Brown helped him make the smooth transition from college basketball to the NBA.

Some 15 years later, Carter is returning the favor.

Now the oldest member of the Dallas Mavericks at age 35, Carter has been busy helping Mavs rookies Jared Cunningham, Jae Crowder and Bernard James find their way in the NBA.

“I just sit them down and we just talk about the game,’’ Carter said after Sunday’s practice at American Airlines Center. “It’s not moreso about positioning all the time.

“It’s what’s expected and how to go about it, and I think that’s what they appreciate, especially with them trying to make a name for themselves.’’

via Dwain Price of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram