One of the greatest and most entertaining basketball players in history, Vince Carter, retired today. After 22 years of playing, “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” decided that it is time for him to quit.
At 43 years of age, Carter announced his retirement during the “Winging it with Vince Carter” podcast, the talks show at The Ringer. He already indicated this scenario at the start of the year, saying that he intends to end his fantastic career once the campaign finishes.
Carter wanted to set the record in seasons played in the NBA, which is why he and Atlanta decided to extend their cooperation for one more year. Unfortunately, Carter didn’t get the honors he deserved because of the abrupt stoppage of the NBA season, and the end of the campaign for the Atlanta Hawks who won’t be participating in the restart of the competition.
Carter signed for the Hawks in 2018, becoming the mentor of the young team, filled with superb potential, according to many. However, even though he stepped into the fifth decade of his life, one of the greatest dunkers of all time contributed on the court way above the expectations.
He would become the oldest player to spend 45 minutes on the court, and also the oldest player to score 20+ points in one game, all that while wearing the Hawks jersey.
Vince Carter came to the league after the NBA draft in 1998. At the time, the Toronto Raptors selected him as the 5th overall pick. “Air Canada” would win the Rookie of the Year award and establish himself as one of the best players in the generation. Carter was selected for the All-Star game eight times, managed to become the All-NBA on two occasions, and to win the famous NBA Slam Dunk contest in 2000, arguably the best ever. He played for Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta.
Apart from that, he won the Olympic gold medal in Sydney, providing one of the greatest moments in the Olympic Games’ history, when he jumped over the 7-foot-2 French center, Frederic Weis.
No doubt, Vince Carter influenced the game like just a few players in its history, and he will be missed enormously.
ProSports.net crew wishes all the best to Mr. Carter, and may he enjoy his retirement.
