TORONTO -- Vince Carter doubts he'll be able to help the Toronto Raptors again this season, even if they do qualify for the playoffs.

	Carter

Carter, who had arthroscopic knee surgery two weeks ago, spoke to the media for the first time in several days Tuesday, before the Raptors' game against the Charlotte Hornets.

"It's been a frustrating time for me," Carter said. "The hard thing is not being able to be with the team and not being able to get out of bed, so it's nice to get out."

Carter, hampered by knee problems this season, had surgery on his left knee on March 26, when it appeared Toronto would not make the playoffs.

The Raptors won their ninth straight game Tuesday since Carter's surgery and solidified their hold on eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

"I've accepted the fact I can't play," said Carter, who is still on crutches. "I'm not worried about coming back, I'm worried about walking.

"I am getting better. The process is going forward and that's all that matters. I didn't set a schedule."

Carter, sidelined for seven games in February because of the injury, has averaged 24.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 39.8 minutes in 60 games this season.