After 22 seasons in the NBA, Vince Carter is retiring.
Carter announced his retirement on Thursday during his podcast "Winging it with Vince Carter."
The announcement was largely a formality because the 43-year-old Carter had said many times over the course of the season that this would be his last in the NBA.
The Atlanta Hawks released the following statement following Carter's announcement:
Over the last two years, Vince Carter has been a committed leader, respected mentor, and influential example on the court, in the locker room, and in the Atlanta community. Throughout his historic 22-year journey covering an unprecedented four different decades, his evolving career arc was perhaps like none other in league history – from Top 5 Draft Pick to Rookie of the Year to Slam Dunk Champion to superstar and eight-time All-Star to Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year and valuable role player. It’s an honor to the Hawks organization that he completed his Hall-of-Fame career wearing Atlanta across his chest and representing our city.
22 seasons in the making. Happy retirement, @mrvincecarter15!
🐐: https://t.co/TtTw0ozXOJ#H15TORY x #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/Ckd85R9Inx
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 25, 2020
Carter's 22 seasons are the most in NBA history.
Carter started his career with Toronto, then played for New Jersey, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis, Sacramento, and spent his final two seasons with Atlanta.
Several teams, including the Lakers and former team Raptors, sent out congratulatory tweets to Carter.
Dear @mrvincecarter15,
Thank you for inspiring a nation to believe.
Thank you for laying the foundation of basketball in Canada.
Thank you for letting us fly with you.
Thank you for a lifetime of memories.
Love, Canada pic.twitter.com/vTkWLfss4M
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 25, 2020
22 Years of Greatness
Congrats on a legendary career, @mrvincecarter15. pic.twitter.com/RdcVoghtcl
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 25, 2020
Carter also became the first NBA player to play in four different decades.
