After 22 years Carter announces retirement
Vince Carter’s 22 year NBA career is officially over.
Carter has stated for months that he will retire, but he made it official on Thursday.
Making the announcement on the Ringers podcast “Winging it with Vince Carter.”
Carter stated he is “officially done playing basketball professionally”.
The eight time NBA all-star stated when he signed his one year deal with the Atlanta Hawks that the 2019-2020 season would be his last.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought Carters career to an abrupt end but the 43-year-old Carter is at peace with the ending to his storied journey.
Carter acknowledged on the podcast, that the abrupt ending was “tough,” but he stated that he is at peace with his decision to retire.
A Storied Career
Somewhat of a pioneer Carter is the first player to ever appear in four different decades in the NBA.
Drafted 5th overall in the 1998 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors, Carter quickly putting himself and Toronto on the map.
Carter took home the rookie of the year honours and went on to finish his career as the NBA’s 19th all time scoring leader while earning himself eight all star appearances.
His performance at the dunk contest in 2000 will live on in NBA lore forever.
Carter is regarded by many as the greatest dunker in NBA history, earning himself the nickname “Air Canada”.
The future hall of fame inductee has left a mark on the NBA that can not be taken lightly.
Basketball in Canada for a long time was carried soley on the back of Vince Carter.
He brought the game to Canadians and inspired a generation of players.
Carters impact on the NBA and the Raptors franchise will forever be remembered.
