Vince Carter is a retired professional basketball player famous for his phenomenal performances during his NBA career. He was a dominant force on the court, and his remarkable athleticism, explosiveness, and shooting abilities made him a fan favorite.
However, many people are curious about what happened to Vince Carter and did he retire from basketball.
This article overviews Vince Carter’s life story, and his NBA career, digs into what transpired after he retired from basketball, and explores his life beyond the NBA.
Let’s get into it!
What is Vince Carter Known For?
What is Vince Carter Known For?Vincent Lamar Carter Jr. is a former NBA player and current ESPN basketball analyst born on January 26, 1977. With eight All-Star appearances and two All-NBA Team selections, Carter’s career spanned 22 seasons, making him the only player in NBA history to achieve this feat and play in four different decades, from 1999 to 2020. He initially played as a shooting guard and small forward, but he also played as a power forward toward the end of his NBA career.
Vince Carter is primarily known for his exceptional athleticism and dunking abilities, making him one of the most celebrated dunkers in the history of the NBA. His propensity to execute gravity-defying and acrobatic dunks with matchless ease established him as one of the league’s most electrifying players during his heyday.
Carter’s incredible athleticism and slam dunk skills earned him several nicknames, including “Vinsanity,” “Air Canada,” and “Half Man, Half Amazing.” The NBA, players, and journalists have ranked Carter the greatest dunker ever.
Carter’s contribution to the sport transcends his dunking prowess as he was also a prolific scorer, effortlessly placing the ball in the basket from any point on the court. He possessed a fluid jump shot, enabling him to manufacture his shot off the dribble, making it difficult for defenders to stop him.
The 1999 Rookie of the Year was also an underrated passer and orchestrator, exhibiting exceptional court vision and consistently locating his teammates in scoring positions. His all-around offensive collection positioned him as one of the most versatile athletes in the league during his prime.
Furthermore, Carter was a highly esteemed veteran athlete in the league, renowned for his leadership skills and professionalism. He mentored several younger players, such as Trae Young and Jaylen Brown, who currently dominate the NBA. His positive impact on the league and his teammates persists to date.
Overview of His NBA Career
Overview of His NBA CareerVince Carter’s exalted and illustrious career in the NBA spanned over two decades. He was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 1998 NBA Draft, and his brilliant play style and awe-inspiring slam dunks earned him the adoration of fans.
Carter made a resounding impact during his rookie season, recording an average of 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year for his remarkable efforts and swiftly established himself as a budding superstar.
In his second season, Carter guided the Raptors to their first-ever playoff berth, enhancing his gameplay and garnering a reputation for his incredible scoring ability and exciting slam dunks.
He produced some of the highest numbers with the New Jersey Nets, where he played from 2004 to 2009. In his five-year stint with the Nets, Carter averaged 23.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He led the Nets to two playoff berths, including an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2003.
Throughout his career, Carter played for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, and Atlanta Hawks.
Carter has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding performance on the court, including eight NBA All-Star selections from 2000-2007 (excluding 2002 due to injury), a gold medal in the 2000 Olympics, and two All-NBA Team selections (Second Team in 2001 and Third Team in 2000).
He also was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1999 and was the recipient of both the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and The Sporting News NBA Rookie of the Year Award in the same year. He also won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He received the 2016 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award, and in 2020, he won the NBA Sportsmanship Award.
He is the only player in league history to play in a game in four different decades and one of just six players to maintain a streak of averaging at least 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game for ten consecutive seasons. Talking about Vince Carter’s rings, perhaps that’s the only thing missing in his incredible twenty-two years career.
Vince Carter retired from professional basketball in 2020. He is currently third on the list of oldest players to retire in NBA history at 43 years, 37 days. “Air Canada” played a total of 1,541 regular season games. He has career averages of 16.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 3.1 APG.
His legacy will be enshrined as an exemplary sports ambassador and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA.
What Happened to Vince Carter?
What Happened to Vince Carter?On June 25, 2020, Vince Carter officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. His last NBA game was on March 11, 2020.
Despite retiring from the NBA almost three years ago, Carter has remained in the spotlight. The eight-time NBA All-Star has succeeded as a TV analyst following his record-breaking 22-season stint. Carter’s net worth as of December 2022 stands at an impressive $110 million.
During his playing days, Carter earned $180 million. In addition to this, he also owned a restaurant in Daytona Beach which he sold for $4.3 million in 2017. Initially, Carter was a Puma athlete but switched to Nike, with whom he collaborated on six shoe designs throughout his career.
Real estate has also proven to be a wise investment for the former Rookie of the Year. He owns a 16-bedroom property in Isleworth, Florida, valued at $9.9 million, and another property in the state valued at $14.4 million as of 2014. Carter purchased a property worth $2.7 million in Toronto, although its current value is unknown. Furthermore, in 2020, he bought a mansion in Georgia for $6.7 million.
Despite his various investments, most of Carter’s post-retirement earnings come from his role as an NBA analyst for ESPN. He regularly appears on famous talk shows, including NBA Countdown, The Jump, Get Up, First Take, and SportsCenter.
Additionally, he hosts his podcast, The VC Show with Vince Carter, although details of his contract remain undisclosed. On the Bally Sports network, Carter also calls select games for former teams, such as the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic.
Carter’s contributions as an NBA analyst have been exceptional, which is rare for former players. He provides valuable insights from a player’s perspective, crucial in analyzing the game from an expert angle. Fans eagerly tune in to the segments that feature Carter, who is known for offering realistic takes that are widely agreed upon.
Wrapping Things Up: What Happened to Vince Carter?
Vince Carter had a spectacular impact on basketball, thanks to his impressive dunks, extraordinary athleticism, and captivating performances on the court that amazed fans worldwide. He demonstrated relentless determination and unwavering dedication, which allowed him to maintain his dominance in the league for an extended period.
Despite his retirement marking the end of an excellent era for basketball fans, it opened up new opportunities for him in his post-basketball career. Even though he is no longer playing, Carter remains actively involved in the sport as a commentator and analyst.
It is inspiring to witness the NBA legend flourishing in his second chapter of life and staying connected to the game even after retirement.
Vince Carter’s life story is a testament to the human spirit and the heights one can achieve with talent, hard work, and determination.
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