Vince Carter

Carter with the Kings in February 2018
No. 15 – Atlanta Hawks
Position	Shooting guard / Small forward
League	NBA
Personal information
Born	(1977-01-26) January 26, 1977 (age 42) Daytona Beach, Florida
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight	220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school	Mainland (Daytona Beach, Florida)
College	North Carolina (1995–1998)
NBA draft	1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
Selected by the Golden State Warriors
Playing career	1998–present
Career history
1998–2004	Toronto Raptors
2004–2009	New Jersey Nets
2009–2010	Orlando Magic
2010–2011	Phoenix Suns
2011–2014	Dallas Mavericks
2014–2017	Memphis Grizzlies
2017–2018	Sacramento Kings
2018–present	Atlanta Hawks
Career highlights and awards
8× NBA All-Star (2000–2007) All-NBA Second Team (2001) All-NBA Third Team (2000) NBA Rookie of the Year (1999) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999) NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2000) NBA Teammate of the Year (2016) Consensus second-team All-American (1998) Florida Mr. Basketball (1995)
Stats at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games 2000 Sydney Team Competition FIBA Americas Championship 2003 San Juan Team Competition

Vincent Lamar Carter (born January 26, 1977) is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) tall and plays both shooting guard and small forward. Carter is the fourth player in the NBA ever to play 21 seasons, the most in NBA history. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest dunkers of all-time.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

A high school McDonald's All-American, Carter played three years at the University of North Carolina. While there, he twice reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament before being selected as the fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, who traded him to the Toronto Raptors. He won the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and won the Slam Dunk Contest at the 2000 NBA All-Star Weekend. That summer, he represented the United States in the Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal.

Carter emerged as a star in Toronto, entertaining crowds with his leaping ability and slam dunks, earning him nicknames such as "Vinsanity", "Air Canada", and "Half-Man, Half-Amazing". In December 2004, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he continued to put up big numbers. In June 2009, Carter was traded to the Orlando Magic. In his first season with the Magic, he appeared in his first and so far only Conference Finals series. In December 2010, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. He joined the defending champion Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and the Memphis Grizzlies in 2014. In 2017, he signed with the Sacramento Kings. In 2018, he signed with the Hawks.

Carter is an eight-time NBA All-Star. He is one of six players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game in 10 straight seasons.^[6] He is also one of six players in league history to record 24,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 1,000 steals and 1,000 3-point field goals.^[7]

Off the court, Carter established his Embassy of Hope Foundation, assisting children and their families in Florida, New Jersey and Toronto. He was also recognized in 2000 as Child Advocate of the Year by the Children's Home Society, and received the Florida Governor's Points of Light award in 2007 for his philanthropy in his home state.

High school career and college career[edit]

Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, Carter attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach. He led Mainland's basketball team to its first Class 6A state title in 56 years and was a 1995 McDonald's All-American.^[8] Carter attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, spending three seasons playing college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels under Dean Smith and later, Bill Guthridge. During the 1997–98 season, he was a member of new coach Guthridge's "Six Starters" system that featured Antawn Jamison, Shammond Williams, Ed Cota, Ademola Okulaja, and Makhtar N'Diaye.^[9] During his sophomore and junior seasons, Carter helped North Carolina to consecutive ACC Men's Basketball Tournament titles and Final Four appearances. He finished the 1997–98 season with a 15.6 points per game average and was named second-team All-American, First-Team All-ACC, and to the fan's guide third-annual Coaches ACC All-Defensive Team. In May 1998, Carter declared for the 1998 NBA draft, following his classmate Jamison, who had declared earlier that spring.^[10] During his NBA career, Carter continued his coursework at North Carolina, and in August 2000, he graduated with a degree in African-American studies.^[11]

On January 31, 2012, Carter was honored as one of the 35 greatest McDonald's All-Americans,^[12][13] and on February 23, 2012, President Barack Obama, an avid NCAA and NBA basketball fan, gave praise to Carter at a fundraiser event, referring to Carter's game as a "huge treat for me ever since he's been playing for the Tar Heels."^[14][15]

Professional career[edit]

Toronto Raptors (1998–2004)[edit]

Carter was initially drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft. He was then traded to the Toronto Raptors for the fourth overall pick, Antawn Jamison—Carter's college teammate and good friend.^[16] The Raptors had struggled in their first three years as a franchise. Carter was instrumental in leading the Raptors to their first ever playoff appearance in 2000 before going on to lead them to a 47-win season and their first ever playoff series win in 2001, advancing them to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Due to the NBA lockout, Carter's rookie season did not start until January 1999. Carter quickly became a fan favorite with a soaring offensive game that earned him the nickname "Air Canada". He won NBA Rookie of the Year Award after averaging 18.3 points and throwing down countless highlight-reel dunks.^[17] Carter ascended to full-fledged stardom in his second season – he averaged 25.7 points per game (fourth-highest in the league) and lifted Toronto to its first playoff appearance in franchise history. He subsequently earned his first NBA All-Star selection and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. During the 2000 NBA All-Star Weekend, Carter showcased arguably the most memorable Slam Dunk Contest event in its history.^[17] He won the contest by performing an array of dunks including a 360° windmill, a between the legs bounce dunk, and an "elbow in the rim" dunk (also known as a "cookie jar" dunk or the "honey dip").^[16] Carter and his distant cousin Tracy McGrady formed a formidable one-two punch as teammates in Toronto between 1998 and 2000. However, McGrady was dealt to the Orlando Magic in August 2000, leaving Carter as the Raptors' franchise player. It is believed by some that the Raptors could have won championships if McGrady and Carter stayed together in Toronto.^[18]

Carter with the Raptors in November 2000

In 2000–01, his third season, Carter averaged a career-high 27.6 points per game, made the All-NBA Second Team, and was voted in as a starter for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game. The Raptors also finished the regular season with a then franchise-record 47 wins. In the playoffs, the Raptors beat the New York Knicks 3–2 in the first round, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers. Carter and Allen Iverson played in a seven-game series that see-sawed back and forth. Carter scored 50 points in Game 3 and set an NBA playoff record for most three-point field goals made in one game. Television ratings for Game 7 soared as one of the highest watched in NBC's history for a non-finals game. As the Sixers and Raptors increased their double team pressures on Carter and Iverson respectively,^[19][20] the game winning shot came down to Carter who missed with 2.0 seconds remaining.^[21] Iverson said of the series in July 2011: "It was incredible. (Carter) had great games at home and I had some great games at home, but both of us were just trying to put our teams on our back and win basketball games. It is great just having those memories and being a part of something like that."^[22]

In August 2001, Carter signed a six-year contract extension worth as much as $94 million.^[23] However, Carter began showing the effects of what would become career-altering problems with his knees in the wake of his big contract.^[17] He earned a reputation as a fragile player after suffering a series of knee and hamstring injuries.^[24]

Carter missed the final 22 games of the 2001–02 regular season due to injury. He started in 60 games and averaged 24.7 points per game. On December 7, 2001, Carter recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals against the Denver Nuggets.^[25] He joined Charles Barkley (1988) as the only two players to have ever posted a game with 40 points, 15 rebounds, five steals and five assists, dating back to the 1973–74 season, when the league officially began tracking steals.^[26] He was voted into the 2002 NBA All-Star Game, but he could not participate due to injury. Without Carter during the 2002 NBA Playoffs, the Raptors were defeated in five games by the Detroit Pistons in the first round.

Following off-season surgery,^[17] Carter only managed 43 games during the 2002–03 season. In February 2003, Carter gave up his starting spot in the 2003 NBA All-Star Game to Michael Jordan to allow Jordan to make his final start as an All-Star.^[27] Carter played in 73 games during the 2003–04 season, but the Raptors fell three games short of making the playoffs.

Trade to the Nets[edit]

During the 2004 off-season, general manager Glen Grunwald and the entire coaching staff were fired following the team's failure to reach the playoffs. Carter became frustrated with the Raptors' upper management. In particular, Carter was unhappy with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and Raptors president Richard Peddie.^{[28][29][30][31]} In a private meeting, Peddie reassured Carter that MLSE was serious in building a contender in Toronto and that he would pursue established players like point guard Steve Nash and center Jamaal Magloire. Carter was also given the impression that Peddie would consider Julius Erving as a serious candidate for general manager; however, it was later disclosed that Erving was never really in the mix.^[29][30] Peddie instead hired Rob Babcock as general manager, whose first priority in rebuilding the Raptors was to "establish our philosophy", stating "we are not really worried about how many wins we get right away, or whether we make the playoffs within the first year or two."^[32] He then hired Sam Mitchell as head coach.^[33]

Consequently, much speculation arose whether Carter wanted to be traded. The Toronto Sun reported that Carter felt misled and felt the Raptors would never be an elite team under the current MLSE structure with Peddie as Raptors president.^[34] Some fans raised money to fly a "Keep Vince, Trade Peddie" banner over the Air Canada Centre just before Carter's annual charity game.^[35] When Rob Babcock was questioned about the trade speculations, he denied Carter asked for a trade but indiscreetly revealed Carter's agent had approached him for a trade request.^[36][37]

During the 2004–05 season, coach Mitchell often benched Carter in the fourth quarter to emphasize the new team philosophy he and Babcock wanted players to adapt to, spurring rumors of fights between Carter and Mitchell and new point guard Rafer Alston.^{[38][39][40][41]} Carter's trade wish was finally granted on December 17, 2004, when he was dealt to the New Jersey Nets for Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams and two first round draft picks.^[42]

In his first game back in Toronto, on April 15, 2005, Carter was heavily booed and jeered by Raptors fans; some fans were found burning Vince Carter jerseys, while many donned No. 15 baby bibs, 'FUVC' T-shirts, and other merchandise that labelled Carter as "Wince" or as "immature", alluding to Carter's knee and ankle injuries and his dissent.^[43] Much like former Raptors teammate Tracy McGrady,^[44] Carter received such treatment for years to come in the town that once embraced him.^[17]

In January 2005, Carter was asked if he had pushed himself as hard as he should have in Toronto. Carter replied, "In years past, no. I was fortunate to have the talent ... you get spoiled when you're able to do a lot of things. You see that you don't have to work at it. Now, with the all the injuries, I have to work harder. I'm a little hungrier. Getting a fresh start has made me want to attack the basket."^[45] Though Carter's comments were perceived by Raptors fans as his confession of quitting on the Raptors,^[46] Thompson said the comments were misinterpreted, saying, "That boy never said to me, 'Coach, I just laid down and quit.' ...I was embarrassed and felt awful about it for his sake, because I knew what he was communicating to me... he was more expressing a desire of wanting to do better, as we all do."^[47] Despite Thompson's defense of Carter, the Toronto Star's Dave Feschuk in 2007 wrote that Carter "cheated on (the Raptors). He quit on the floor."^[48] Carter later stated his comments were misconstrued. On the eve of the Raptors–Nets playoff series in 2007, Carter told New York's WFAN radio station, "One day, maybe the fans will understand how it all went down. That's all I can say."^[48]

In November 2011, Carter, along with his cousin Tracy McGrady and Charles Oakley, addressed the Toronto audience in an interview on Off the Record with Michael Landsberg. When asked about being booed in Toronto, Carter said, "They watched myself and Tracy grow up. And when we left they still got to see (us) flourish and become (who we are). For me, I looked at it as, a young child growing up into a grown man and moving on. And I get it. Leaving, hurt a lot of people. It hurt me because I tell you what... I accomplished a lot, I learned a lot, I became the person and player of who I am today because of that experience, through the coaches, players, and everything else. I get it... but regardless I still love the city. I have friends there and my heart is still there because that's where it all started." Later in the interview, when asked about any words to the Toronto fans, Carter said, "I appreciate the fans and whether you cheer for me, boo me, or hate me, I still love you. Toronto's one of the best kept secrets.. puts one of the best products on the floor and one of the top places to play in."^[49][50][51]

On November 6, 2012, in an interview with TSN Radio 1050, Carter reiterated his love for the city and his appreciation for the Toronto Raptors organization.^[52][53] The next day, Sam Mitchell and Rob Babcock revealed on Sportsnet 590, The Fan that the night before Carter was traded to New Jersey, Carter phoned Mitchell to express his desire to stay in Toronto and commit to their vision for the team. However, Babcock said it was too late and the trade had already been verbally agreed upon. Looking back on it, Mitchell feels he should have personally contacted the MLSE chairman, Larry Tanenbaum, but was reluctant because he did not want to break the chain of command.^[54][55]

Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri referred to Carter in April 2014 as "one of the symbols of the Toronto Raptors."^[56] To this day, Carter remains the Raptors' all-time leader in points per game with 23.4,^[57] having amassed 9,420 points during his ​6 ¹⁄₂-year run in Toronto.^[58]

Raptors' 20th anniversary[edit]

On November 19, 2014, nearly a decade after the trade, as a part of the Raptors' 20th anniversary celebration, the team paid tribute to Carter with a video montage during the first quarter of the Raptors-Grizzlies game. Leading up to the game, questions were raised about how Raptors fans would receive the planned video tribute.^[59] As the sellout crowd watched the video tribute featuring highlights of Carter's high-flying Raptors days, what began as the usual booing turned into an overwhelmingly positive standing ovation.^[60][61][62] An emotional Carter used his warm-up shirt to wipe tears running down his face as he pointed to his heart and waved to the fans in appreciation. He later stated, "It was a great feeling, I couldn't write it any better."^[63]

New Jersey Nets (2004–2009)[edit]

Carter with the Nets in January 2006

Carter was acquired by the New Jersey Nets on December 17, 2004,^[64] playing five seasons for them before departing in June 2009. Carter produced some of his highest numbers with the Nets, surpassing his 23.4 points per game with the Raptors to average 23.6 points per game over his tenure in New Jersey. He missed just 11 games in his four full seasons and helped lead the Nets to three straight playoff runs between 2005 and 2007.

Carter joined a Nets team with Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson as the leading players. However, the trio never got to play together at full strength during the 2004–05 season. Carter and Kidd carried a shallow roster on a 15–4 run to end the season to make the playoffs.^[65]

Carter with the Nets in March 2009

In the 2005–06 season, the Carter-Kidd duo co-led the Nets to 49 wins, an Atlantic Division title, and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Carter helped lead the Nets to the second round of the playoffs before losing to the eventual NBA champions Miami Heat in five games. Carter averaged 29.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 11 playoff games. Carter was named an Eastern Conference All-Star in 2006. On November 7, 2005, Carter threw down a very memorable dunk against the Miami Heat, over defensive stalwart, Alonzo Mourning.^[66] On December 23, 2005, Carter set an NBA record for the most free throws made in a quarter (4th quarter) with 16 against Miami. He tied his career high of 51 points in the same game.^[67]

In the 2006–07 season, Carter was named as a reserve to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game,^[68] marking his eighth All-Star appearance.^[69] In a 120–114 overtime win over the Washington Wizards on April 7, 2007, Carter and Kidd became the first teammates in over 18 years to record triple-doubles in the same game since the Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen achieved this feat against the Los Angeles Clippers in 1989. Carter finished with 46 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. Kidd finished with 10 points, tied a career high with 16 rebounds, and tied a season high with 18 assists.^[70] Carter finished the 2006–07 season playing all 82 games, averaging over 25 points with a 21 PER.^[71]

In July 2007, Carter re-signed with the Nets to a four-year, $61.8 million contract.^[72]

During the 2007–08 season, Kidd was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Carter was credited for becoming a leader following the All-Star break.^[73] He became captain of the Nets, and in 2008–09, he and teammate Devin Harris were the highest-scoring starting backcourt in the league.^[74] On November 21, 2008, Carter scored a season-high 39 points, including a game winning two-handed reverse dunk, as the Nets battled back from an 18-point deficit to defeat the Toronto Raptors 129–127 in overtime at the Air Canada Center. He hit a 29-foot, game tying three-pointer to send the game into overtime and then scored the winning basket in the extra period.^[75] On February 3, 2009, Carter recorded his fifth career triple-double with 15 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 99–85 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.^[76]

Orlando Magic (2009–2010)[edit]

Carter with the Magic in March 2010

On June 25, 2009, Carter was traded, along with Ryan Anderson, to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee.^[77] Orlando hoped Carter would provide center Dwight Howard with a perimeter scorer who can create his own shot—something the Magic lacked in losing the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers.^[78] On February 8, 2010, he had a season-high 48 points, 34 in the second half, when the Magic rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Hornets 123–117.^[79] Carter helped the Magic reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were defeated 4–2 by the Boston Celtics. It marked his first and so far only Conference Finals series.

Phoenix Suns (2010–2011)[edit]

Carter (right) in January 2011, being defended by former teammate Rashard Lewis

On December 18, 2010, Carter was acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a six-player trade with the Magic.^[80] On January 17, 2011, Carter recorded 29 points and 12 rebounds in a 129–121 win over the New York Knicks.^[81] He reached 20,000 career points during the game, becoming the 37th NBA player to reach that plateau.^[82]

On December 9, 2011, following the conclusion of the NBA lockout, Carter was waived by the Suns, meaning the team only had to fork over $4 million of the $18 million he was due for the 2011–12 season.^[83] Carter had a short-lived run in Phoenix, playing 51 games with 41 starts while averaging 13.5 points while shooting 42 percent.^[83]

Dallas Mavericks (2011–2014)[edit]

Carter with the Mavericks in October 2012

On December 12, 2011, Carter signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks.^[84] This move reunited Carter with former Nets teammate Jason Kidd. On April 20, 2012 against the Golden State Warriors, Carter became the eighth player in NBA history with 1,500 3-pointers when he made one in the closing minutes.^[85]

While known early on in his career for his circus dunks, Carter became known for his 3-point shooting with the Mavericks.^[86] On February 13, 2013, in a 123–100 win over the Sacramento Kings, Carter scored 26 points to pass Larry Bird on the NBA's career scoring list, moving him into 29th place.^[87] Carter turned aside a Sacramento rally in the third quarter by going 5 of 7 from long range and scoring 17 of Dallas' last 21 points in the period. He ended the night with 21,796 career points for 29th on the all-time list, five ahead of Bird.^[86] He also became the 11th NBA player with at least 1,600 3-pointers.^[86] He finished the season ranked 27th on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 22,223 career points. His 162 3-pointers tied his career high for 3s made in a season (162-of-397, .408, with Toronto in 2000–01). Over the course of the season, he advanced from 17th place to 11th place on the NBA's all-time 3-point field goals made list (passing Nick Van Exel, Tim Hardaway, Eddie Jones, Glen Rice, Jason Richardson and Kobe Bryant), finishing the year with 1,663 career 3-pointers.^[88]

Prior to the 2013–14 season, Carter established himself as the Mavericks' sixth man, after the departure of Jason Terry.^[89] He averaged just 10.5 points and shot 37.6% from the field during the first 22 games of the season due to increased responsibilities and pressure to be the team's lone scoring punch off of the bench. He saw his numbers improve in December, averaging 12.5 points and shooting 44.3% from the field during an 18-game stretch.^[89] On March 16, 2014 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Carter raised his career total to 23,010 points, becoming the 27th NBA player to pass the 23,000-point mark with a 3-pointer with 2:17 left in the third quarter.^[90] In Game 3 of the Mavericks' first round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, Carter drilled the game-winning 3-pointer with no time remaining on the clock to give the eighth-seeded Mavericks a 109–108 win and a 2–1 series edge over the top-seeded Spurs.^[91] The Mavericks went on to lose the series in seven games.

Memphis Grizzlies (2014–2017)[edit]

On July 12, 2014, Carter signed a multi-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.^[92] On November 13, 2014, he made a game winning alley-oop assist from the sideline to teammate Courtney Lee at the buzzer to win the game 111–110 over the Sacramento Kings.^[93] On December 17, 2014, Carter scored a season-high 18 points in a 117–116 triple overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs.^[94] Carter moved into 25th in all-time NBA scoring during the game, passing Robert Parish (23,334).^[95]

Carter appeared in just one of the Grizzlies' first 12 games of the 2015–16 season.^[96] On February 24, 2016, with nine points scored against the Los Angeles Lakers, Carter passed Charles Barkley (23,757) for 24th in career points scored.^[97] Two days later, he scored a season-high 19 points in a 112–95 win over the Lakers.^[98] For the latter half of April and the whole first round playoff series against the Spurs, Carter was inserted in the starting lineup and played well.^[99] In Game 1 against the Spurs, Carter scored a team-high 16 points in a 106–74 loss.^[100] The Grizzlies went on to lose the series in four games. After finishing second behind Tim Duncan in the 2014–15 season, Carter was awarded with the Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award for the 2015–16 season. The award recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team.^[101]

On November 1, 2016, Carter played in his 1,278th NBA game, tying him with A. C. Green for 25th on the NBA's career list. He also became the 24th player in NBA history to surpass 24,000 career points.^[102] On November 8, he scored 20 points against the Denver Nuggets and became the oldest player in the NBA to post a 20-point game since Michael Jordan scored 25 for the Washington Wizards in April 2003, at age 40.^[103] It was also Carter's first 20-point game since April 30, 2014.^[104] On November 12, Carter made seven field goals against the Milwaukee Bucks to pass Gary Payton (8,708) for 21st in NBA history.^[105] Carter also passed Charles Oakley for 24th on the NBA's career games played list with 1,283.^[106] On November 14, in a win over the Utah Jazz, Carter had his second 20-point game of the season, joining Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing as the only players in NBA history to put up 20 points and 5+ rebounds off the bench at the age of 39,^[107][108] with Carter being the oldest at 39 years and 287 days.^[109] Carter missed seven games in early December with a right hip flexor strain.^[110] On January 11, Carter hit his 1,989th career three-pointer to move ahead of Jason Kidd and into fifth on the all-time list.^[111] On February 1, in a game against the Denver Nuggets, Carter hit his 2,000th career three-pointer, making him only the fifth player to ever reach that mark.^[112] On February 6 against San Antonio, Carter joined Karl Malone, Dikembe Mutombo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Parish as the only 40-year old players to record at least four blocks in a game.^[113] On February 15, in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Carter passed Allen Iverson for 23rd on the NBA all-time scoring list.^[114] On March 13, Carter made his first start of the season and made all eight of his shots, including six from beyond the arc, to score a season-high 24 points and lead the Grizzlies past the Milwaukee Bucks 113–93.^[115] He became the first 40-year-old in NBA history to hit six triples in one game.^[116] At 40 years, 46 days old, Carter also became the oldest player to start an NBA game since Juwan Howard in April 2013.^[115] On March 29 against the Indiana Pacers, Carter passed Ray Allen for 22nd on the NBA all-time scoring list.^[117] In the Grizzlies' regular-season finale on April 12 against the Dallas Mavericks, Carter played in his 1,347th game and passed Kobe Bryant for 13th in regular-season games played.^[118] On April 22, Carter became the first 40-year-old to make three or more 3-pointers in a playoff game during Game 4 of the Grizzlies' first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs.^[119]

Sacramento Kings (2017–2018)[edit]

On July 10, 2017, Carter signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.^[120][121] On August 18, 2017, during the Players Voice Awards, Carter was named by the NBA Players Association as the Most Influential Veteran.^[122] Carter missed seven games early in the season with a kidney stone.^[123] On December 27, 2017, Carter scored a season-high 24 points in a 109–95 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the first time in NBA history that a 40-plus-year-old reserve scored at least 20 points in a game.^[124] He shot 10-of-12 from the field in 30 minutes off the bench,^[124] with his 83 percent shooting marking the second highest percentage of his career.^[125] On January 28, 2018 against the San Antonio Spurs, Carter and Manu Ginóbili scored 21 and 15 points respectively; it was the first game in NBA history where two players over the age of 40 each scored at least 15 points.^[126] On March 19, 2018, in a 106–90 loss to the Detroit Pistons, Carter had seven points to move past Patrick Ewing into 22nd place on the NBA's career scoring list.^[127] At the season's end, he was named the recipient of the NBPA's Backbone Award and Most Respected Award, as part of the Players Voice Awards.^[128][129]

Atlanta Hawks (2018–present)[edit]

On August 24, 2018, Carter signed with the Atlanta Hawks.^[130] In his debut for the Hawks on October 17, 2018, Carter started at forward and scored 12 points in a 126–107 loss to the New York Knicks,^[131] becoming the second oldest player in NBA history to start a season opener at 41 years and 264 days old.^[132] Only Robert Parish (42 years and 65 days old) was an older opening-night NBA starter than Carter.^[131] On November 21, he scored 14 points off the bench in a 124–108 loss to the Toronto Raptors, thus becoming the 22nd player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points.^[133] On December 29, he scored an equal team-high 21 points in 111–108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was his first game with 20 points for Atlanta and became the oldest player in history to lead or tie for the team lead in scoring.^[134] He also became the oldest player in NBA history to score 20+ points at 41 years and 337 days old, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record by 6 days.^[135][136] On February 7, 2019, against the Raptors, Carter passed Jerry West for 21st on the NBA's all-time scoring list.^[137] On March 1, 2019, he logged the second-most minutes for the Hawks in a 168–161 quadruple-overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls. At 42, Carter became the oldest player in NBA history to play at least 45 minutes in a game.^[138]

National team career[edit]

During the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Carter performed one of the most memorable dunks of his career when he jumped over 7-foot-2-inch (2.18 m) French center Frédéric Weis. Teammate Jason Kidd said it was "One of the best plays I've ever seen." The French media later dubbed it "le dunk de la mort" ("the Dunk of Death").^[139] The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal that year and Carter led the team with 14.8 points per game. Carter admitted he channeled his frustrations in his personal life and Tracy McGrady leaving the Raptors before the Olympics.^[140]

Carter replaced Kobe Bryant on the USA roster for the 2003 FIBA Americas Tournament while Bryant was undergoing surgeries on his knee and shoulder. He wore Bryant's jersey number 8.^[141] Bryant was supposed to take his spot back in time for the 2004 Olympics. However, Bryant later on withdrew due to the rape charges he was facing at that time. Carter was offered the Olympic spot but declined as he felt he needed to take some time off during the summer to rest and heal and he was also getting married at that time.^[142]

Awards and achievements[edit]

• 8× NBA All-Star selection: 2000–07 (did not play in 2002 due to injury)


• Olympic gold medal: 2000


• 2× All-NBA:
  
  
  
  • Second Team: 2001
  
  
  • Third Team: 2000
  
  
  
  


• NBA Slam Dunk Champion: 2000


• NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1999


• 
  NBA Rookie of the Year Award: 1999


• 
  The Sporting News NBA Rookie of the Year: 1999^[143]
  


• 
  Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award: 2016

NBA playoff records

• Most three-point field goals made in one half: 8 (May 11, 2001 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Eastern Conference Semifinals)


• Most consecutive three-point field goals made in one game: 8 (same game as above)


• Most consecutive three-point field goals made in one half: 8 (same game as above)^[144]
  


• First 40-year old player to hit at least three 3-pointers in a playoff game: 3 (April 22, 2017 vs. San Antonio Spurs, Western Conference 1st round)^[145]
  

New Jersey Nets franchise records

• Most three-point field goals made in one game: 9 (December 11, 2006 vs. Memphis Grizzlies)


• Most points scored in one season: 2,070 (2006–07)


• Most consecutive 20 or more point games: 23 (2005–06)


• First Net to score at least 2,000 points in a single season (2006–07)^[146]
  

Career highs

• Points: 51 (2 times)^[147]
  


• Field goals made: 20 vs. Milwaukee January 14, 2000^[147]
  


• Three point field goals made: 9 vs. Memphis November 12, 2006^[147]
  


• Free throws made: 23 vs. Miami December 23, 2005^[147]
  


• Rebounds: 16 vs. Washington July 4, 2007^[147]
  


• Assists: 14 vs. Milwaukee September 1, 2009^[147]
  


• Steals: 6 (5 times)^[147]
  


• Blocks: 6 vs. Chicago March 28, 1999^[147]
  

Video game, TV and film appearances[edit]

• Appeared on the cover of NBA Live 2004.^[148]
  


• Appeared on the cover of NBA Inside Drive 2002.^[149]
  


• Appeared in the 2002 film Like Mike, where the fictional Los Angeles Knights had to beat Carter and the Toronto Raptors in order to gain the 8th seed in the playoffs.


• Appeared in Fabolous' 2002 music video for "This Is My Party", and Glenn Lewis' 2003 music video for "Back for More".


• Appeared in the TV Series Moesha as himself in the episode Mis-Directed Study in 1999.^[150]
  


• A 60-minute Vince Carter documentary entitled The Carter Effect by Sean Menard was shown at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival about Carter's impact in the Canadian basketball scene.^[151][152] It was also made available on Netflix.^[153]
  

Personal life[edit]

Carter has donated to his high school, Mainland, as well as the foundation he established upon being drafted into the NBA in 1998, The Embassy of Hope.^[154] On February 3, 2007, a statue of Carter was unveiled at Mainland.^[155]

Carter visited with the Duquesne University basketball team in Pittsburgh as a show of support after its shooting incident in September 2006.^[156]

He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.^[157]

Carter married Ellen Rucker, a chiropractor, in July 2004; the couple divorced in 2006. They have one daughter together.^[158]

While with the Nets, Carter lived in Saddle River, New Jersey on the same street as Jason Kidd, and the two played ping pong and went bowling together.^[159]

In January 2010, Carter opened a restaurant called "Vince Carter's" in Daytona, Florida.^[160] It closed in February 2016.^[161]

Throughout his career, Carter has been known not only for his dunks and scoring acumen, but for his celebrations and emotion. He celebrated explosive dunks with his patented "Crank it up" celebration, which is expressed by rolling his wrists as if revving the engine of a motorcycle.^[162] As his dunks became more scarce later in his career, the move has served as a tongue in cheek rallying cry, as he and other infrequently dunking players "crank it up" after routine dunks.^[163]

Career statistics[edit]

NBA[edit]

Regular season[edit]

Playoffs[edit]

College[edit]

See also[edit]

• List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders


• List of National Basketball Association career steals leaders


• List of National Basketball Association career turnovers leaders


• List of National Basketball Association career 3-point scoring leaders


• List of National Basketball Association career minutes played leaders


• List of National Basketball Association career games played leaders


• List of National Basketball Association career free throw scoring leaders


• List of National Basketball Association single-game playoff scoring leaders


• List of oldest and youngest National Basketball Association players


• List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders


• List of Olympic medalists in basketball


• NBA regular season records


• NBA post-season records

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vince Carter.

• Career statistics and player information from NBA.com, or Basketball-Reference.com
  


• Carter's official website