Vince Carter started the season by being the first player in NBA history to play in four decades. Now, he ends it with another distinction as he was named the winner of the NBA Sportsmanship Award on Thursday.
It’s the perfect close to the colorful career of the 22-year veteran, who saw his farewell year get cut prematurely last March after the NBA was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Atlanta Hawks not qualifying for the restart, Carter was forced to abruptly bid the league adieu.
According to reports, the former Slam Dunk Contest champion earned 143 first-place votes and 2,520 points in voting by his fellow players. Brooklyn Nets’ Garrett Temple finished second with 1,746 points, followed by Oklahoma City Thunder's Steven Adams with 1,632 points.
At 43 years old, Vinsanity still managed to play 60 games for the Hawks this season. Carter averaged 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per outing. But more significantly, he played a major role in the development of his young teammates Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, Cam Reddish, DeAndre Hunter, and John Collins, providing valuable wisdom and positive presence.
Vince Carter suited up for eight teams in his high-flying NBA journey, with career norms of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He was an eight-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-NBA Third Team in 2001 and 2000, respectively. He also won the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in 2016.
The 6’6” swingman, who is now an analyst for ESPN, is expected to be inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in the future.
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