In what could be Vince Carter‘s final NBA season, the two-decade veteran signed a one-year deal with the Hawks. The soon-to-be 42-year-old is the oldest active player in the NBA and is joining his fourth team in six seasons.
“I love to play, man. I have a young guy’s mentality with a 40-year-old body,” Carter said, per The Associated Press (via ESPN).
Last season with the Kings, Carter played nearly 18 minutes per night and averaged 5.4 PPG in 58 games. He has not been a starter since the 2011/12 season, instead transitioning into the effective veteran off the bench role.
The Hawks reportedly signed the eight-time All-Star to be a mentor to a young team in Atlanta. Even so, Carter said his goal is to prove that he can still be a productive player despite his age.
“I know playing this game that the media and the fans and people can be cruel,” Carter said. “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.”
A former Rookie of the Year (1999), Carter’s career has included nearly every possible phase. He’s been the sensational rookie, perennial All-Star, dependable veteran and now, a seasoned asset with 21 years of NBA experience. Despite that, Carter still believes he can contribute when called upon.
“I’m still the same person,” Carter said. “My approach is still the same. My work ethic, my ability to play the game is still the same. Obviously it’s limited. You just don’t get to see it as much, but it’s the same guy.”
Wouldn’t be surprised if he joins a contender at some point during the year via a trade
As he should get as many rings as possible dudes been through it all playing and winning should be most important at this stage of his career.
Why would winning be more important than playing? Playing zero minutes for a contender doesn’t add to his legacy.
So playing 30 minutes on a hawks team would add to his legacy…the hell you talking about dude. He’s 42 and hasn’t won a ring he should chase that and finish of his career.
Why should legacy matter more than experience? Do you think he’ll actually feel fulfilled joining the warriors to just watch the rest of the team win a ring with or without him? Get out. How does that add to his legacy when his presence didn’t even matter.
I didn’t say anything about legacy. I just said he’s old AF and why not chase a ring instead of being a 5-15 minute guy for a hawks team that is tanking.
too bad his cousin mcgrady couldn’t share Toronto’s spotlight- they could of done special things
Agree with LordBanana, were is the point in winning without playing, now if GSW or another team wants him to play at least 15, or 15-20 minutes then I am all for it, go for the ring, but otherwise playing is always more important than just collecting rings without really contributing. He is a legend, doesn’t need a ring.
what is the point, I meant
The guy’s made almost 200 million dollars in his career and he’s going to keep a younger player from achieving a roster spot. Just plain greed. Retire already.
Greedy to want to keep doing something you love for as long as possible?
I love when people make these silly arguments.
If he was keeping a younger player off a roster, don’t you think Atlanta would let that younger player play?
It’s not like Carter is holding the Hawks hostage. They think he is at least the 15th best player they can have, and his mentor ship is valuable (to them).
Also, if you did what you loved, and people said you shouldn’t do it, how would that make you feel?