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UNC Basketball Alumni in the NBA: Vince Carter makes history

By Zack Pearson

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 28: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks waits for play to begin against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 28, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 116-81. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 28: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks waits for play to begin against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 28, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 116-81. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Vince Carter made some NBA history on Saturday night when the Atlanta Hawks took on the Indiana Pacers

Former University of North Carolina standout Vince Carter has now done something that no other player in NBA history has ever done.

The 42-year-old Carter made an appearance in Atlanta’s 116-111 win over the Indiana Pacers at home and when he did, he became the first player ever in the NBA to play in four different decades.

Carter got his start in the 90’s when he was drafted by Golden State in 1998 NBA Draft and then was traded to Toronto in a deal that involved his teammate at UNC Antawn Jamison. He then later joined the New Jersey Nets before playing with Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis, Sacramento and Atlanta along the way.

He’s currently one of five active players in North American professional sports to make their debut in the 90’s and are still active joining Adam Vinatieri, Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, and Zdeno Chara.

The forward is also the longest-tenured player in NBA history, doing so in his 22nd year and passing Robert Parish, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Kevin Willis who all played 21 seasons in the NBA.

Carter is averaging 5.3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist this season while playing 15.7 minutes per game for the Hawks. He’s a veteran presence on a young Hawks team that is currently in rebuild mode. As it stands now, Carter is expected to retire after this season and with the Hawks at 8-28 after Saturday’s win, it’s very unlikely we see him in the playoffs one final time.

Next. Danny Green helps fuel Lakers. dark

For more on Carter and other former UNC Basketball players in the NBA, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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