Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Alumni in the NBA: Looking at a few Tar Heel free agents

By Trevor Marks

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after sinking a 3 pointer during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after sinking a 3 pointer during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 13: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at State Farm Arena on March 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 13: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at State Farm Arena on March 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Vince Carter 

2018-19 Stats (76 GP): 7.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.1 apg on .419/.389/.712

One last hurrah!

Apparently, 21 seasons playing in the best basketball league on the planet wasn’t enough for Mr. Vinsanity. Apparently, 22 sounds a lot better for Vince Carter, now 42, who is looking for one more season of NBA basketball before he finally hangs it up for good.

After averaging 17.5 minutes over 76 games for the 29-win Atlanta Hawks, Carter proved that he still had a little left in the tank, albeit contributing to a rebuilding team that didn’t have aspirations of grandeur (as in, a team that didn’t care to win 30-plus games).

Can Carter contribute for a championship contending team next year? That’s hard to imagine, not just because of his age, but because of his mindset — he’s been vocal about how he doesn’t care to chase a ring, instead enjoying his role as a mentor for younger players in the league. He still wants minutes, of course, but it’s unlikely that he’ll play that much next year regardless of where he ends up. A return to the baby Hawks could be in the cards, but a move elsewhere is just as likely.

Expect Carter to sign another vet minimum (~$2.6 million) contract sometime in the coming days once the top-shelf names have made their decisions.

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