As of right now, there is a five-way tie in the National Basketball Association for the longest number of seasons played, with Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, and Vince Carter all tallying 21 seasons in the league. Vince and Dirk are the only active players on that list, and Nowitzki has all but declared that this season will be his last. It appears that Carter, however, may have different plans.
Vince Carter on ESPN today: “I think I can stretch out one more [year].”
Looks like Vinsanity is coming back for a 22nd season.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 8, 2019
“Half man, half amazing” suits the 42-year-old well.
Already the oldest player in the league, it is hard to believe that Carter would have it in him to go another round after this season, but he very well still could. One thing that has worked in Vince’s favor is how well he has transitioned into a different role later in his playing career.
Once he hit the age of 35, Vince Carter accepted a smaller role within the Dallas Mavericks upon signing with his new team. Despite only being three years removed from being his team’s second leading scorer and five years removed from averaging over 25 points in a season, he gracefully aged into a role where he would average under 30 minutes per game for the first time in his career.
He would later go on to smaller roles with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings before signing with the Atlanta Hawks this past offseason. His role with his teams have become as much about mentoring the younger talent on the roster as it has been about providing help on the court. As far as giving the young guys someone to look up to and model their game after, Vince is one of the best of his era.
Every now and then, he is even able to deliver a little nostalgia-driven action if you’re paying attention.
Vince might not ever lose it. Bench reaction is priceless. pic.twitter.com/8YDItCDdlo
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) February 28, 2019
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