The legend that is Vince Carter was a pleasure to have around the young core of the Atlanta Hawks last season. He also showed us he still has plenty left in the tank – even as a 41-year-old – averaging 7.4 points per contest on nearly 40% from three-point range off the bench. Now 42, Carter has announced this will be his final ride, but it does not look like it will take place in Atlanta.
According to the AJC’s, Chris Vivlamore, Carter returning to the Hawks appears to be a “long shot”
Still remains a long shot Hawks bring back Vince Carter. There have been discussions. Hawks will likely add a veteran but don't want to take time away from young players. Carter likely looking for bigger role than Hawks have.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) July 9, 2019
It’s not totally out of the discussion, but Carter wants to be on a team where he has a role that extends further than merely a veteran locker room presence. He’s not nor has he ever been interested in ring chasing.
When he officially announced he was planning on returning for his 22nd NBA season, I asked him if he would like to return. He responded, “It doesn’t matter; I just want to play.”
With the Hawks loading up on depth at the wing in the draft and adding Jabari Parker, that no longer seems possible in Atlanta. Lloyd Pierce’s main focus will be on giving the young players minutes, and surely there will be a team out there interested in bringing in Carter. It was awesome to see the future Hall-of-Famer grace State Farm Arena on a nightly basis, and he had a hell of a year, but we’ve likely seen the last of Carter on the Hawks.