For NBA players, their ultimate goal as professionals is to win a title and retire with a championship ring on their finger. While there are others who win multiple titles in their careers, some are not as fortunate and hang their sneakers for good without experiencing the feeling of being part of a championship team.

An option that veterans take is to leave money on the table and join a legitimate contender towards the twilight of their careers, but for Vince Carter, he prefers to continue playing a big role with a team, rather than ring-chasing. He discussed his decision to join the Sacramento Kings, via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, despite having the option to be with a team that will contend for a title.

“I can’t do that. That’s not who I am. I want to be a part of something,” Carter said. “I want to play. It’s easy to play for a good team and sit there. It would be great to have the ring to accomplish it. Yes, I earned it because I am there every day making those guys better. I get all that. But I want to contribute.

“I’m not at the stage where I can sit there and be OK with it when I know I have something to give to this game still. That’s why. When things are different and I probably can’t play but 10 minutes a game or whatever, I can probably sit there and accept it. I can’t accept it now.”

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Carter signed with the Kings this offseason together with his fellow veteran from the Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph. Entering his 20th season in the league, he already has a ton of playoff experience and has won different awards throughout his stellar career. However, a championship has continued to elude him and this season, he is once again not considered a favorite to win one, especially with the Kings currently in rebuild mode.

The 40-year-old's statement though says a lot about him and how much pride he has in himself. He continues to stick to what he wants to contribute to every team he plays for and is also happy to be a mentor to young players, who also want to be a successful professional like him.