Atlanta Hawks swingman Vince Carter cannot escape the retirement jokes, even from his own teammates.
Carter mused he tries not to think about these being the final games of his career, though Hawks forward Dewayne Dedmon seems intent on reminding him.
"If I don't think about it I'll be fine…Dewayne Dedmon makes it clear before every game, 19 left." – @mrvincecarter15 on the remainder of the season.#H15TORY | #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/tQzeYZDIzk
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 4, 2020
Carter's longevity has been very impressive. He officially became the first player to play in four different decades back in January, and he has also played for eight different franchises over the course of his career.
The 10-time All-Star's prime years are well in the past, but he is still serving as a veteran leader to a young Atlanta team.
Hawks guard Kevin Huerter lauded Carter for his presence in the locker room and the example he sets on the floor (via Larry Fleisher of Forbes):
“He's been great,” Huerter said before his 39th career game for the Hawks. “It's not always about what he says but how he's acting throughout the course of the game, different stuff he sees. He's not afraid to speak up and tell us how defenses are playing where we should react and things like that. He's really an extension of the coaching staff in a lot of ways. He's been great.
Carter might not be receiving the kind of “farewell tour” like Dwyane Wade or Dirk Nowitzki did last season, but teams (and fans) around the league have shown appreciation to the future Hall of Famer all year.
The 43-year-old is one of the defining players of the 2000s, and his accomplishments are numerous. However, Vince Carter is not quite ready for it to end. He is savoring every moment.
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