After 20 fruitful years in the NBA, newly acquired Atlanta Hawks forward Vince Carter is still ready and raring to go.

As he approaches his 42nd birthday in late January, many fans have speculated whether the 2018-2019 season would be Air Canada’s swan song. Carter, apparently, has other things in mind.

Via ESPN:

“I know playing this game that the media and the fans and people can be cruel,” he said with a grin. “It's like, ‘You're old and you're playing against guys half your age. You shouldn't be out here.' But then for me that is my goal, to prove that I'm able to do that. And I put in a lot of work in mentally as well as physically just preparing myself.”

It’s really great to hear Vince, despite being the oldest active player in the league, still has that desire burning inside of him to get better. You won’t find many like him who share a similar mindset.

Still, he is no longer a spring chicken and, after averaging a mere 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17 minutes with the Sacramento Kings last season, he is better suited as a veteran presence in the locker room.

Still, he will be a welcome addition to the Hawks, who have a crop of young players under their roster. Carter should be able to guide them, provide support, and help them grow as true professionals of the game.

He may no longer be able to take over games or be a team’s go-to scorer, but at least we know he can still throw them dunks down like the VC of yesteryear.