Vince Carter isn’t ready to call quits. On ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption, Carter revealed that he wants to play another year.
On Thursday, Carter was a guest on the show, and answered a question about retirement. He was asked if he had an age in mind for when he wants to retire. Carter said that he wants to play until he is 43.
“I think I could stretch it out one more,” Carter said, “At the end of the year, I usually assess from top to bottom to see how I’m feeling. And obviously opportunity, when the phone call rings and teams show interest, that’s a good thing.”
In the offseason, Carter signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks. The 21-year veteran brought leadership and experience to a young Hawks team. Carter averages 7.1 points and 2.5 rebounds for the Hawks. He is also shooting a career-best 40.9 percent from three-point range.
Carter has had a long career. The 42-year old guard/forward was drafted in 1998. He was the fifth pick of that year’s draft. The Golden State Warriors selected Carter, but traded him to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Antawn Jamison. Carter and Jamison were college teammates at UNC.
This draft class also included Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce. Nowitzki and Pierce were selected ninth and 10th respectively. Both Carter and Nowitzki continue to play as others in their draft class have retired.
Carter played nearly six seasons with the Raptors, where he was a highlight reel. His dunks and highlights helped bring excitement to the Raptors. Vinsanity helped the relatively new Raptors make a name for themselves.
In 2004, the Raptors traded Carter to the New Jersey Nets. He played with the Nets until they traded him to the Orlando Magic in 2009. The Magic traded Carter to the Phoenix Suns in 2010. Then, he went on to sign with teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings. This year he signed with the Hawks this year.
Carter’s longevity is admirable. At 42-years old, he can still contribute to a team. If it is not through scoring, Carter still contributes with his leadership. His goal of playing at 43 seems likely and fans will want to see it happen. If the right opportunity comes along, it will become a reality.
Featured image courtesy of Toronto Star
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