Did Vince Carter Possess the Skills to Carry Michael Jordan’s Legacy? Analyzing Paul Pierce’s Bold Claim About 8x All-Star

Before coming back to play two more seasons with the Washington Wizards, Michael Jordan announced his retirement in 1999. It was finally time for the NBA to move on from Jordan and build up the next star player who could be the face of the league. Although there were many potential suitors, none were as ready to take up the mantle as Vince Carter.

While things did not pan out the way they should have, a former Celtics legend believes that Carter had everything necessary to become the next Michael Jordan.

Vince Carter was supposed to be the future of the NBA

In a recent episode of the KGCertified podcast, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett discuss what it was like to face Vince Carter. Paul Pierce gave immense praise to the eight-time All-Star. Pierce said that Carter was viewed as the person who could be the face of the NBA when Michael Jordan retired.

Pierce said, “He was supposed to lead us to the post-Michael Jordan era. He was that good, bro.”

Jordan announced his second retirement the same season Carter was drafted. The floor was set for someone else to take the stage, and Carter seemed just the right person to do so. Vince Carter could seemingly do anything on the floor. His athleticism and flashy dunks made him eye-catching to fans.

After having a solid rookie season, Carter elevated himself as one of the best players in the NBA in his sophomore season. This also earned him his first-ever All-Star selection while averaging over 25 points per game. Since then, he has been on top of his game for years, earning him eight consecutive All-Star selections.

Although Carter was in a position similar to Jordan, where he could have led a team to the postseason, his game did not translate as well as Jordan’s did in the playoffs.

Carter did not have the same scoring ability as Jordan, but he was still viewed as one of the best scorers in the league. Although Carter was ascending as a player and presenting himself as one of the faces of the NBA, in 2003, Carter had to take a step back for Jordan.

Vince Carter gave his spot to Jordan

In 2003, it was Michael Jordan’s farewell tour in the NBA. Jordan had returned to the NBA for the third time, and this time he announced beforehand that he would be retiring after the season.

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Although Carter missed a big chunk of the season with an injury, fans still voted him in as one of the starters in the All-Star game. However, the media quickly turned on Carter and urged that he give his spot to Jordan as it was his last year in the league.

According to the U.S. Sun, Carter initially rejected the idea. But he was vilified for this. This was the right moment for Carter to take the torch and lead the NBA into the future, yet the media wanted Carter to take a step back for Jordan to shine one last time.

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Carter later revealed that he wanted to give his spot to Jordan, but MJ was reluctant to take it. But Jordan only accepted it because Carter told Jordan that he would not go into the game if Jordan didn’t accept his proposal.

Do you think Vince Carter could have surpassed Michael Jordan’s legacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!