Vince Carter is not ready to call it a career. On Tuesday, Carter officially announced he will return for his 22nd season.
Carter was a guest on The Ringer’s “Winging It” podcast. Carter’s teammate Kent Bazemore hosts the podcast along with his co-host Annie Finberg. While on the show, Carter confirmed his intent on returning next season.
“Yep, I’m coming back, bro. I’m coming back.” Carter said.
The conversation started after Bazemore and Carter discussed the retirements of Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade. The discussion switched to Carter and his NBA future. Carter confirmed his return and told Bazemore he would like to return to the Hawks.
This season, Carter averaged 7.4 points in 76 games. He provided the young Hawks veteran leadership throughout the season.
Carter was a leader for the young Hawks (Image Courtesy of Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Lloyd Pierce, head coach of the Hawks, spoke highly of Carter towards the end of the season.
“He showed us what a true leader looks like. He showed us an unbelievable talent in this game can also be an unbelievable teammate.” Pierce said.
Pierce also said the Hawks were not worried about what decision he (Carter) makes moving forward. He was in awe that the Hawks were able to have Carter throughout the year.
Carter signed with the Hawks during last year’s offseason on a one-year veteran minimum deal with the team. This marked Carter’s eighth team of his career. He started his career with the Toronto Raptors after being the fifth pick of the 1998 draft. The Golden State Warriors drafted Carter, but traded him to the Raptors in exchange for his college teammate Antawn Jamison.
Carter played seven seasons with the Raptors before they traded him to the Nets. Then, Carter went on to play for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. The Hawks are his latest stop.
The NBA veteran continues to amaze. Carter is 20th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 25,430 points. He passed the 25,000 mark earlier this season against the Raptors, scoring 14 points in that game. Now, Carter has a chance to climb up the ladder with the upcoming season.
Carter’s NBA journey continues. He approaches his 22nd season, which is an impressive feat. With his upcoming season, Carter is the first player to play in four different decades. He played in the ’90s, ’00s, ’10s and the upcoming ’20s. His personal accomplishments and his longevity make up a remarkable career.
Carter will play at least one more season in the league. It is not known whether it will be the Hawks or elsewhere.
With the retirements of players such as Nowitzki and Wade, it is important to enjoy players before their careers are over. However, Carter is not ready to call it quits and wants to continue his journey. His decision is admirable and fans should enjoy while they can.
Featured image courtesy of USA Today
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