Vince Carter has announced he’s bringing an end to his 22-year career.
The veteran revealed he’s calling curtains on his impressive metier via the Ringer’s Winging It With Vince Carter podcast (H/T ESPN). The eight-time All-Star confirmed he’s “officially done playing basketball professionally.”
Vince had announced the 2019/20 season would be his last when he signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks last year and was unfortunate to have the campaign cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vince Carter admitted the abrupt nature of his season ending was tough to handle but says he’s at peace with his decision.
“If there was any disappointment because of the season – any of that – it was kind of easier to put it aside and handle it that way,” the 43-year-old said. “It’s like, OK, its something bigger than my career. … It’s unfortunate, but with the coronavirus taking people’s lives rapidly, that’s the big picture in my mind.
“So I was able to put the weird ending – the abrupt stoppage of play, to an ending – aside for the bigger picture.”
Carter began his career with the Toronto Raptors in 1998, earning the reputation as one of the most electrifying dunkers in NBA history. He went on to play for the New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings. He spent the last two years with the Hawks, proving to be a remarkable mentor to the team’s young players.
It’s sad how it came to an end for the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest winner; he deserved a better sendoff. Things don’t always work out the way they should, however.
Talkbasket.net would like to thank Vince for his outstanding contribution to the game of basketball and we wish him a happy retirement.
Air Canada has finally landed.
