Vince Carter Retires At 43

On Thursday morning the basketball world received some bittersweet news. Vince Carter has decided to retire. Vince Carter has played in the NBA for 22 years. Throughout those 22 years, Carter has made a major impact in the game of Basketball. Carter has been compared to the legendary Kobe Bryant in many ways in their younger years. At the age of 43, Carter thought it would be the best time to leave the NBA for good.

The Beginning

Before Vince Carter was a professional player he was a very talented player at the University of North Carolina. Carter played at the University of North Carolina from 1995 to 1998. Carter started this long journey of playing professional basketball at the age of 22. Carter was drafted 1st round at number 5 in 1998 to the Golden State Warriors. He was then traded to the Toronto Raptors and the legend started.

Time with Toronto

Carter started his career in the 1998-99 season. Carter averaged 18.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 5.7 total rebounds. Carter had an outstanding rookie year. He made NBA All-Rookie First Team and NBA Rookie of the Year. Carter’s best year in his career was his third year. Carter averaged 27.6 points, 3.9 assist, and 5.5 rebounds. Carter’s drive and ambition turned him into a hero in the eyes of the people in Toronto.

The Carter Effect

Carter is an eight-time NBA All-Star. He is an All-NBA Second Team. He is also an All-NBA Third Tram. Carter was the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner. Some people considered Carter as one of the greatest “dunkers” in basketball history. Carter is a 19th all-time in NBA history in scoring.

Over Carter’s career, he scored 25,728 points 6,606 rebounds and 4,714 assists. Carter’s impact on the league, he has his documentary on Netflix. “The Carter Effect”. “The Carter Effect” showcased Vince Carter’s impact that he had in Toronto. He brought joy to the city of Toronto. Hip Hop and Rap artist Drake spoke about his admiration of Carter and how he changed his view of basketball. Carter played on eight different teams and those teams are the following; Raptors, Nets, Magic, Suns, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Kings, and the Hawks. He stood out on the Raptors and Nets. He also made NBA history earlier this year when he became the first NBA player to appear in at least one game in four different decades.

Coming To An End

The Atlanta Hawks were very thankful for having Carter on their roster. The Hawks Twitter page tweeted this photo.

22 years of Vince Carter taking flight✈️#H15TORY x #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/TbXPHljci3

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 26, 2020

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement about Vince Carter. Silver said, “Vince Carter has made an indelible impact on the NBA with his remarkable skill and enduring commitment.” Silver said that Carter “a true ambassador of the game.”

Vince Carter decided last year to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks. He made it clear that the 2019- 2020 season would be his last season as a professional basketball player. Carter is the first NBA player to appear in four decades. That is incredible. Vince Carter has been an amazing player to watch. The NBA, analysis, and fans all that Carter for his talent.