NBA Rumors: Aging Former Slam Dunk King Not Slowing Down

For Vince Carter, age is just a number. At 42, he is one of the few aging NBA players still active in the league. And while most are contemplating on retirement, the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk champion plans to play on and set a new record for playing the most seasons played in the league.

Carter, who played out his one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, recently made the announcement on the "Winging It" podcast. They were discussing the recent retirement of Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki when he was suddenly asked about his plans.

"I would like to. We'll see what happens," said the eight-time NBA All-Star.

Looking at the NBA record books, only three NBA players have spent 21 seasons. They are Robert Parish, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki. Parish called it quits with the Chicago Bulls in 1997, while Garnett closed the book in 2016 with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the NY Daily News reported.

Last season, Carter agreed to a $2.4 million contract with the Hawks. He averaged 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 76 games although it was his veteran smarts that mattered more for Atlanta, Yahoo Sports reported. For the next NBA season, it will be interesting which team would give him another chance to take the hardwood.

The only thing sure is that should any team sign him, it will be a one-year deal and likely a veteran's minimum. As for playing time, it could be similar to how long he played last season - if not less. Either way, Carter needs to understand that with the growing number of players playing the position similar to his, getting extended minutes is a long shot.

There is no denying that Carter can still play the game. However, the decision to still have him on an NBA roster depends heavily on the manpower any ballclub has. There are some teams who may take him in but more as a mentor. Also, there is that chance that he may be entering his final season - assuming he does get signed up. So which team would be logical?

If the 2019-20 NBA season is his swan song, he may want to consider what Garnett did. He started his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors back in 1998 so it could be perfect to see him suit up there once again. Seeing how the Raps are doing great, taking him will depend on who stays and who goes for Toronto in the summer.