Vince Carter’s demise was greatly exaggerated.
At his peak, Carter dazzled with the Toronto Raptors, performing high-flying dunks and making the impossible seem routine. An all-star for eight straight seasons, Carter’s ridiculous athletic ability made him a fan favorite.
Although his play naturally declined with age, by the early part of this decade, at close to 35 years-old, he was still an efficient scorer averaging around 10-15 points per game. Nevertheless, many were ready to call his career over…
Vince Carter should have announced his retirement immediately following that 48-point game.
— Russ Bengtson (@russbengtson) February 27, 2010
Vince Carter should wear a black band on his jersey in memory of himself.
— Russ Bengtson (@russbengtson) February 7, 2010
Vince Carter is Done….#wash
— Nic (@NicHarris5) May 25, 2010
@DIMEMag Vince Carter's new nickname is Rinse Carter…he's washed up.
— Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) May 25, 2010
Vince carter tryna act like he hurt bcuz he really don't wanna play bcuz he's washed up #loser
— CANARY YELLOW CHELLO (@canarydaboss) October 30, 2010
Vince Carter has been so awful 2night, I wouldn't be shocked if he announces his retirement @ halftime. #wizards only up 48-47.
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) January 22, 2011
thought VC retired in 01 @MrMichaelLee Vince Carter has been so awful 2night, I wouldn't be shocked if he announces retirement @ halftime.
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) January 22, 2011
How sad is it that Vince Carter looks more washed up than Grant Hill?
— Guy DeMarco (@GDemo) March 23, 2011
If Vince Carter doesn't retire after this year, then it says a lot about his financial status off-the-court, because he's officially done.
— Scott Phillips (@phillipshoops) March 28, 2011
Even the Suns training staff couldn't save Vince Carter. He's half-man, half-amazingly washed up.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 23, 2011
Latest sign that Dems are toast in 2012, best NBA player they could get was washed up Vince Carter: http://t.co/53EnvCOC
— Sam Baldwin (@DireWolf11) December 9, 2011
Now, at 40, and playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Carter has adjusted his game to become a veteran scorer off the bench, and sometimes he will show flashes of brilliance from early in his career. On Monday night against the Bucks, Carter turned back the clock, scoring 24-points on a perfect 8 for 8 shooting, including 6 for 6 from the three-point line. He also threw one down like the old days…
"I'm just glad I can help this team get a win and get back on the winning column."@mrvincecarter15 thoughts after the @memgrizz win. pic.twitter.com/QVGkeXqxAv
— FOX Sports Grizzlies (@GrizzliesOnFSSE) March 14, 2017
Seems like even at 60, he still will be hoopin’. Vince may have lost a step, but contrary to the popular belief a while back, the future Hall of Famer’s career wasn’t over. Carter’s still got game.
