NBA Rumors: Hawks Will Miss Locker Room Presence Of Vinsanity

The fact that he is still playing in the NBA is already an accomplishment for 43-year-old Vince Carter. Though it would have been sweeter if the Atlanta Hawks were not at the tail-end of the NBA Eastern Conference, the ten-time All-Star is just enjoying the last games of his storied NBA career.

As most know, Carter already made history books for his longevity of play in the NBA. Despite low numbers, the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year continues to silently carve his niche in the record books. Outside of that, Carter has done more than try to build up his resume. He is a locker room presence that the Hawks will miss. Like most veterans, Carter has been around to know the ins and out in the league. One player who can attest to that is Hawks guard Kevin Huerter.

“It’s not always about what he says but how he’s acting throughout the course of the game, different stuff he sees. He’s not afraid to speak up and tell us how defenses are playing where we should react and things like that. He’s really an extension of the coaching staff in a lot of ways. He’s been great," Huerter said in a report from Forbes.

The past years saw several players who played out their last season with recognition during games. Carter is undoubtedly deserving of it though he is not complaining. Rather, the 6-foot-6 cager prefers to play out the season and walk away quietly. Atlanta is not going to make the playoffs, meaning and Carter will only be around for the remaining 19 games.

With the days going by fast, retirement jokes have been common over at the Hawks' camp. New acquisition Dewayne Dedmon has been constantly reminding Carter about it but takes it all in stride.

"If I don't think about it I'll be fine...Dewayne Dedmon makes it clear before every game, 19 left," Carter said in a tweet by the Atlanta Hawks Twitter account.

This season, Carter hardly has good numbers to show though it is hardly surprising. He has played in 56 games averaging 4.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14.5 minutes of action. These are far from his career averages of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. But then again, Carter was not expected to produce much, aware he was more of a backup player and mentor to the young Hawks players.

Looking ahead, it won't be surprising if Carter is seen on the bench of an NBA team. He could end up with a coaching job and one team that is obviously likely to consider him is the Atlanta Hawks.