We’ve reached a point in the NBA where stars seem to be leaving in droves. This year, it’s Kobe Bryant. Soon, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki will follow. All of them have talked, at least briefly, about the end of their careers, how they know their time is almost up. But there’s one other player among this group of legends that’s been a bit more reluctant, and a bit more defiant, about the end of his career: Vince Carter.
As Carter tells Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, he wants to make it to 20 years in the league, but hasn’t really set a date for his retirement.
“For sure,” Carter said. “Did I say I was retiring? I’m very thankful for (the recognition on the road). Don’t get me wrong. But I plan on coming back. I just go year to year at this point. I don’t put a timetable on it. I don’t want to say two years and then everybody says ‘Well this is it, right?’ But 20 years would be cool.”
The only players to notch at least 20 seasons in the league: Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Garnett, and Bryant. Not bad company, right?
Though Carter’s obviously not the star he used to be, he’s still, at the very least, a serviceable role player. He’s also taken on a bit of a mentor role with these Grizzlies, not just during the regular season, but in summer league, as well. Of all of his soon-to-be-retired peers, Carter perhaps gets the least amount of publicity. That seems to suit him just fine. He lived in the spotlight more than he seemed to actually embrace it.
To slink away, quietly, peacefully, gracefully, noticed but not showered with accolades, is not the Vinsanity way to leave, but it is the Vince Carter way.