Apart from the suspension of the 2019-20 season, what broke the hearts of basketball diehards is the abrupt end to the legendary career of Atlanta Hawks forward Vince Carter. Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks chimed in on Carter's farewell season being cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking on the BaD Radio on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket [KTCK-AM], Nowitzki was asked what he would've done if he was in the Hawks wing's shoes. As transcribed by The Dallas Morning News:
“I probably would have not went through another season just because I didn’t get the ending that I was hoping for. I felt bad for [Vince Carter]. What he’s been doing for, now in his 22nd season, is amazing and I’m sure the last couple of weeks and months he would’ve deserved and gotten a couple more standing ovations maybe even a going away thing too. I felt bad for him listening to that press conference.”
Below is the press conference that Nowitzki was referring to. The Hawks veteran couldn't hold back his tears while discussing potentially playing his final game in his illustrious 22-year career.
“Game’s been good.”
Vince Carter got teary-eyed when discussing potentially playing his final game. pic.twitter.com/a2WFp8kBDm
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 12, 2020
The game between the Hawks vs New York Knicks was one of the last games played before the league suspended the season. Both teams knew about this and were aware that it is Carter's final season. With several ticks remaining, they inserted Carter back. The 43-year-old seized the moment and drained a 3-point shot — which could be the final shot of his career.
With play being suspended, the Hawks subbed Vince Carter in.
He hit a three.
(via @cjzero)pic.twitter.com/18wejDtY44— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) March 12, 2020
Nowitzki himself experienced a rightful closure to his basketball career. Hopefully, Carter gets to experience the same.
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