Josh Carter (201-F-1986, college: Texas A&M, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 35 year old 201cm forward from Dallas, Texas that finished his 13th professional season with PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging 6.4ppg, 1.0rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 75.0%; and 8.0ppg, 3.3rpg, in the BCL league. He has played in countries like Germany, Israel, Russia, Italy, Turkey and France. He played college ball at Texas & Am. He played his rookie season in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg averaging 7.8ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 60.9%; in the Euroleague averaged 7.7ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 75.6% in the BBL. He had a very close relationship with Rickey Paulding and spoke about his memories of him.
Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Hey Miles. I am doing well I am in Dallas Texas right now. I spent the first part of the season with Paok in Greece. Unfortunately I suffered an injury that ended my season but I am back healthy and hoping to play again next year.
You played as a rookie in Oldenburg as Rickey Paulding was already in his seventh season and third in Oldenburg. Has Paulding’s amazing longevity in some way rubbed off on you to keep grinding and keep playing?
It has been impressive to see what Rickey has been able to do with his career. I definitely have looked to him many times in my career and have strived to have longevity in my career just like he has.
You have played in so many countries and with so many teams. Did you ever think about staying with one team as you got older? Granted as an American it is tough as money is always a temptation, but Rickey somehow was able to remain 15 years with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.
I think every player would love to stick to a good situation that they enjoy. As you said money and being comfortable becomes the main issue. I don’t know Rickey’s situation in Oldenburg over the years, but I would assume Oldenburg offered solid money and comfortability for him and his family and that’s why he always chose to come back. He rewarded them with his loyalty for them rewarding him with something that was fair and reasonable on the financial side of things even if it was a little less than he could make somewhere else.
Rickey Paulding is playing his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?
There have been some gems that have played for a long time and pretty well as they reach an older age. Of course it doesn’t happen often and is very difficult to do. Thats what makes it so special that Rickey became one of the few players to accomplish this and he deserves all the respect and praise he is receiving. It’s not easy to have success year in and year out as you get older.
What was your first impression when you met him? Was his smile and personality instantly infectious?
First impression was he was just a true professional and a great person. Always kind and always respectful to everyone. I was his back up and his neighbor my first year so I spent a lot of time guarding him and with him off the court. Him and his family really took care of me and taught me many things about overseas basketball and just life in general that year. I always say I don’t know where I would have been if it wasn’t for the Paulding’s my first year.
What was your first impression when you saw him on the court? What was the first thing that really stuck out?
On the court my first impression was probably his smoothness. He could shoot and he was explosive but he was very calm and poised with it all. Never out of control. Always played at his pace and played his game.
You played one season with him. Is there anything specific that you feel you were able to take from his presence on the court?
I just learned to take what the defense gives you but also be aggressive. He was also very smart with the way he trained. Smarter not harder. Our coach that year used to love making us do long distance running around a lake and I was a rookie and was trying to be first and go hard and I remember him and another teammate telling me it doesn’t matter how fast or good you do at running these miles, if you ain’t putting that ball in the basket in practice or games you will get cut haha so save your energy for things on the court that actually matter.
Was there a game that stuck out most?
Rickey had many games during my time there that stood out. It’s hard to pen point just one. He was always showing up when it mattered.
What is your fondest moment with him on and off the court that you will never forget?
My fondest moment on the court is hard to pin point it’s been a very long time since I played with Rickey so it’s hard to remember exact things. Off the court though it was all the times spent having dinner with him and his family at their home and at restaurants. We spent a lot of time together off the court and those are the memories that stick more so than the basketball memories.
What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?
I think his legacy will last forever. I don’t think there will ever be another Rickey Paulding that did it at the level he did it with one team for that long of a duration.
Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.
Congrats on an awesome career Rickey. Many people are celebrating your success and are very happy for you and proud of you. Enjoy retirement!
German Hoops 