Vince Carter signed with the Hawks to play a record-breaking 22nd season.
As Atlanta was playing the Knicks last night, the NBA announced it was suspending play effective after the day’s games.
So, Carter and the Hawks treated it like it might be his last hurrah.
Carter entered the game with Atlanta surrendering in overtime and drilled a 3-pointer:
Then, he held a sometimes-emotional post-game press conference that lasted more than 20 minutes (The norm is just a few minutes.):
The NBA regular season could still resume, though nothing is certain. The Hawks won’t make the playoffs. So, if only the postseason will be played, Carter is done.
The 43-year-old is clearly open to continuing if Atlanta has games. He also sometimes framed this as his retirement without qualifier. So, we’ll see.
If this was it, such an unceremonious end fits his distinguished career considering how he spent the latter stages. Carter uniquely transitioned from superstar to role player – and enjoyed so much of the journey out of the bright lights.
