Four years after playing his final NBA game, Vince Carter is set to be enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
For those who followed Carter's career, the enshrinement should not come as much of a surprise. After taking the basketball world by storm during his rookie year, Carter quickly ascended toward superstardom and was one of the NBA's most popular players for several years after the turn of the century.
As Carter prepares to be immortalized in basketball lore in Springfield, here's a look back at his accomplishments, from his origins as a burgeoning star to his final years as one of the game's most respected vets.
MORE: Vince Carter's emotional reaction to Hall of Fame selection
When was Vince Carter drafted?
Carter was selected fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1998 NBA Draft. He was then traded to the Toronto Raptors along with cash considerations in exchange for No. 4 overall pick Antawn Jamison.
And with the 5th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft...
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) October 7, 2024
Vince Carter will get enshrined in the @Hoophall... Sunday (Oct. 13th) 6:00pm/et on NBA TV. #24HoopClass pic.twitter.com/1dV6KH2uLd
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When did Vince Carter retire?
Carter retired at 43 years old following the 2019-20 NBA season. He played his final game on March 11, 2020, the same night the NBA season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How many teams did Vince Carter play for?
Carter played for eight teams during his NBA career. He began with the Raptors and spent his final season with the Hawks.
Here is a look at the timeline of Carter's 22-year career:
Season(s) | Teams | Games |
1998-2004 | Toronto Raptors | 403 |
2004-09 | New Jersey Nets | 374 |
2009-2010 | Orlando Magic | 97 |
2010-11 | Phoenix Suns | 51 |
2011-14 | Dallas Mavericks | 223 |
2014-17 | Memphis Grizzlies | 199 |
2017-18 | Sacramento Kings | 58 |
2018-2020 | Atlanta Hawks | 136 |
MORE: Where Vince Carter ranks on the list of all-time Raptors greats
Why is Vince Carter in the Hall of Fame?
Carter's Hall of Fame case is a strong one.
Over a record-setting 22 seasons, Carter earned eight All-Star selections and two All-NBA nods. He is the first superstar in Raptors franchise history and made an indelible impact on basketball in Canada.
MORE: Lenny Wilkens reflects on Vince Carter-led Raptors team that won first playoff series in team history
Carter retired after scoring 25,728 points and currently ranks 21st on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Only 25 players in league history have scored over 25,000 points and each eligible retired player on that list has been inducted into the Hall.
At his peak, Carter was one of the NBA's top performers and has a stake in the claim of being the greatest in-game dunker of all time. Carter's performance at the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest set the gold standard for dunk contest showings and is one of the most iconic moments of his career.
Over the course of his career, Carter smoothly transitioned from a bonafide superstar to a solid rotation player and, later, a savvy veteran who saw limited time on rebuilding teams.
Carter turned in one of the more uniquely decorated careers in NBA history, making him a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
MORE: Why Vince Carter will be first Raptors player to have jersey retired
Vince Carter career stats, accolades
Over 22 seasons, Carter amassed quite a few counting stats, adding to his career tally even in his later years.
Vince Carter NBA stats
Stat | Total |
Seasons | 22 |
Games | 1,541 |
Points | 25,728 |
Points per game | 16.7 |
Rebounds | 6,606 |
Rebounds per game | 4.3 |
Assists | 4,714 |
Assists per game | 3.1 |
Steals | 1,530 |
Steals per game | 1.0 |
Blocks | 888 |
Blocks per game | 0.6 |
Vince Carter NBA accolades
- 1998-99 Rookie of the Year
- 1998-99 All-Rookie First Team
- 1999-00 All-NBA Third Team
- 2000 Slam Dunk Contest champion
- 2000-01 All-NBA Second Team
- 8x NBA All-Star (2000-07)
Vince Carter college stats, accolades
Over three seasons at UNC, Carter improved each year, sweeping All-American honors as a junior before forgoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NBA Draft.
Stat | Total |
Seasons | 3 |
Games | 103 |
Points per game | 12.3 |
Rebounds per game | 4.5 |
Assists per game | 1.9 |
- 2x All-ACC
- 1997-98 consensus All-American
- 2x NCAA Tournament All-Region
Vince Carter career earnings
Carter earned $171.9 million over his 22 seasons in the NBA, per Spotrac. His most lucrative earning season was the 2010-11 season, where he earned $17.5 million with the Suns.