Atlanta Hawks: Vince Carter Confirms Retirement After Next Season

A quick recap of the news surrounding Vince Carter of the Atlanta Hawks, and what next season will bring for the NBA legend.

42-year-old Vince Carter played an impressive 76 games for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018-19 season, and every little thing he did (including complain to the referees in amusing ways) was an absolute blast to watch for people that tuned in to watch every Hawks telecast.

Beyond being a veteran presence that was brought in to help mentor the Atlanta Hawks’ young core, Carter actually had a terrific season in a Hawks uniform, including notching his 25,000th career point against his former club: The Toronto Raptors.

Furthermore, per Basketball Reference, Vince was actually hugely effective on the court, and he produced his highest three-point percentage (38.9%) since the 2013-14 season with the Dallas Mavericks as well as (stunningly) the highest effective field goal percentage of his career (55%) and the second-highest true shooting percentage of his career (56.5%). Reminder: He was 42 years old!!!!!!!

Now into the offseason, Vince Carter has appeared on numerous talk shows (perhaps foretelling a move to the broadcast booth after he joined Bob Rathbun as a member of the Hawks’ broadcast booth during the season) to discuss various topics, including Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors.

However, on an appearance of ESPN’s The Jump, Carter confirmed what we all expected: That his 22nd season of 2019-20 will be his last:

That 22nd season means he will break two records next year: Oldest player by age in NBA history (when he hits 43 years old) and most seasons played in the NBA at 22 – passing Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish and Dirk Nowitzki.

Of course, Vince Carter and the Atlanta Hawks only agreed to a one-year deal last offseason, so the team will have to work out a contract before the farewell tour can begin. Clearly, Kevin Huerter is eager for a deal to get done so Vince can retire as a member of the Atlanta Hawks:

No matter what happens next season, Vince Carter has been a joy to watch, so let’s hope he re-signs with the Hawks as soon as possible.

Happy trails Vinsanity!