Vince Carter Continues To Shove Father Time In A Locker, Says He's Coming Back Next Season

(AJC) – Vince Carter left nothing to uncertainty this time when asked about playing a record 22nd NBA season.

“I’m coming back,” Carter said on the Winging It podcast he does with Hawks teammate Kent Bazemore that posted Tuesday morning.

When asked if he would play another season with the Hawks, Carter said it was still a possibility.

“I would like to,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”

Carter said at his exit interview following this season, his first with the Hawks in a storied career, that he always gives his current team the initial opportunity to re-sign him.

Carter said during the season that he likes to take time after the season to think and discuss with his family about whether to keep playing. Hawks management has not said publicly whether they would like to re-sign Carter.

Now this is what I’m talking about! This past season was tough for many of us who are now starting to see the legends of our youth start to walk away from the game. In recent years we’ve had the retirements of Manu, Wade, and Dirk which was tough even if you’re not a fan of any of the teams those guys played for. Definitely one of the weirdest parts of getting older is to see these guys walk away after they were a part of our lives for basically all of adulthood, so you bet your ass I am all for Vince Carter saying fuck you to Father Time and making it known that he’s ready to return for his 22nd NBA season. Already one of 5 players in NBA history to play 21 years in the league, it was very clear that while he may not be the same player we saw during Vinsanity, the man can still contribute

That does not look like a man ready to hang em up if you ask me. That’s why if I’m the Hawks, you have to find a way to keep him on this roster. One of the best veteran locker room guys in the league, we saw the Hawks actually have some success this season despite being so young. Sure they’re still in the high-ish lottery but they were way better than I think any of us hoped. Who knows maybe something crazy happens and they get into the top 3 this summer, if I’m that front office I want my young talent around Vince Carter as much as possible. The fact that he can actually still produce on the court is just an added bonus.

If the Hawks get stupid and don’t bring him back, I am 100% down for the Celts to use their end of the roster spot to bring Carter in. Especially if they don’t trade for Anthony Davis, I fully support him mentoring Jaylen/Tatum. What I always respected about Vince was that he made it VERY clear he has no interest in ring chasing like so many superstars do when they get to his age and don’t have a ring. He could easily join the Warriors or something and ride them to a title but he’s said time and time again that’s the furthest thing from what he wants. He wants to actually contribute which is refreshing to hear.

Hopefully the Hawks don’t drop the ball, but if they do I’m going to need someone to step in and make sure Vince Carter is on an NBA roster come October. The league and the internet is a better place with Vince Carter in it, and I’m just relieved we don’t have to say goodbye just yet to another living legend.

Now for old times sake, let’s hit the vintage highlights