Retiring after playing 10+ years in the NBA isn’t always easy, but receiving high praise for having stellar careers can help players feel validated later on.
This weekend, a Toronto Raptors legend and eight-time All-Star will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 class.
“Without a shadow of doubt, the accomplishments of the 2024 class (Vince Carter, Walter Davis, Michele Timms, Jerry West, Chauncey Billups, Michael Cooper, Bo Ryan, Charles Smith, Seimone Augustus, Dick Barnett, Harley Redin, Doug Collins, and Herb Simon) stand as a testament to unparalleled excellence,” President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame John L. Doleva said in April.
“From showcasing unrivaled prowess on the courts and sidelines, spanning the high school, collegiate, and professional ranks, to steering the course of basketball across an entire continent and orchestrating a pair of dynasties, we are honored to pay tribute to these remarkable individuals alongside our esteemed award recipients.”
Carter finished his two-decade-long career with the Atlanta Hawks in 2020. After an incredible three-year collegiate career at North Carolina, Carter landed with the Raptors in the 1998 draft.
The No. 5 overall pick won the Rookie of the Year award during the 1998-99 season and showcased his astounding 43-inch vertical leap nightly.
As a second-year pro, Carter received his first All-Star invite and All-NBA nod, earning a spot on the league’s third team. During the All-Star weekend, Carter participated in the Dunk contest and executed plenty of memorable slams en route to a well-deserved victory.
The 6-foot-6 high-flyer also guided the Raptors to their first playoff appearance in franchise history.
By 2001, Carter had earned a six-year extension with Toronto and was believed to be the franchise’s future, but the two-time All-NBA member requested a trade shortly after. 20 games into the 2004-05 season, the Raptors dealt Carter to the New Jersey Nets for Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft picks.
In five seasons with the Nets, Carter helped the organization punch their ticket to the postseason on three consecutive occasions before getting traded for the second time. During the final 11 years of his career, the 2000 Slam Dunk champion played for six franchises and finished with a 16.7 points per game scoring average.
Carter failed to win a ring as a 22-year veteran, but this weekend's prestigious ceremony should draw attention to his exceptional NBA resume.
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