“Well, at least I made the last shot of my career. And I can actually say that, so I’m happy.” Back in 2020, Vince Carter was happy that he made his last count before retiring from the game. That meant he had played 22 seasons in the NBA, and has that coveted spot for now. But what was the reason behind those grueling seasons? The Raptors’ legend somewhat hinted at Michael Jordan and others for helping him set the mark.

During the press conference for the 2024 Hall of Fame, Vince Carter said, “When I got to year 15, for some reason I said ‘ I wanna play 15 seasons.‘” He continued, “Some of the greats, like Michael Jordan, played 14 odd years, Bird somewhere in there. If I played 15 years, I accomplished something.” Michael Jordan played exactly 15 seasons amidst multiple retirements, while the Celtics legend Larry Bird played 13 seasons.

The record of Vince Carter is under threat because of one term ‘Bron-gevity’. LeBron James already has played 21 seasons in the league and looked fresh in the preseason games to continue his 22nd season. And with Bronny alongside, some might say he even could play more seasons.

“I wasn’t chasing the record, I was chasing that dream still.” Half Man- Half Amazing made it clear, it was never about the records for him, but the overall contributions. Vince Carter even set the record straight that he wasn’t chasing any rings, but instead focused on where he could find the appropriate amount of time to play.

Speaking about time to play, Isiah Thomas was once responsible for giving Michael Jordan the playing time. Yes, now a bitter rival of MJ, made sure that His Airness and the fans got what they deserved? So what was the occasion and how was Vince Carter involved?

Michael Jordan and Vince Carter shared important lessons to each other

Both are North Carolina graduates. At one time, Carter was even perceived as the next MJ. But during the All-Star Game in 2003, which was the last for Michael Jordan, Fans chose Vince Carter ahead of the Bulls legend. The 8x All-Star received the 3rd highest votes with over 1.3 million votes, falling behind only Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. So Carter gave up on his spot, as coach of the Eastern Conference, Isiah Thomas explained the situation. But the issue was Jordan wouldn’t take that easily.

“Basically, I decided but it was encouraged by the league that it was a good idea. And MJ wouldn’t take the spot, bruh.” Vince Carter continued on an episode of All The Smoke. “I pulled him aside, and I said, ‘If you don’t take the spot, I’m going to stay in the back, and I ain’t gonna come out.’ Yeah, okay, cool, I earned it, we know that, but you start.” After the game, the tables were turned and it was Michael Jordan‘s time to share some advice.

“It’s funny, when this whole thing with the All-Star Game, they’re trying to build up the hype between the two of us playing our first game against each other.” Vince Carter spoke to The New York Post. “He just pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, be yourself, do what you do. Everything else will take care of itself.’ He came up to me and said that. It was just pretty neat.”

So, throughout his career, Vince Carter couldn’t win the championship but established his presence amongst the greats. That is why he never chased rings but wanted enough time to showcase his love for basketball for 22 seasons.