Vince Carter hopes to match Kobe's longevity, play 2 more seasons
Only three active NBA players are older than Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Vince Carter. But while he's shown his age and then some since joining the Grizzlies two years ago, and fans on the road this season have occasionally feted him as if he's on a farewell tour, the 39-year-old has no intention of retiring. Yet.
"It's a little weird," Carter said of the reception he's received in opposing arenas, according to Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal.
Carter, who is playing in his 18th NBA campaign, said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant - who is retiring at season's end - and make it a round 20.
"I'm very thankful for (the recognition on the road). Don't get me wrong," he said. "But I plan on coming back. I just go year to year at this point. I don't put a timetable on it. I don't want to say two years and then everybody says 'Well this is it, right?' But 20 years would be cool."
In 31 games for the Grizzlies this season, the eight-time All-Star is averaging four points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting just 35.2 percent from the field and 28.4 percent from 3-point range. His last two games, both Memphis wins, have been his best of the season, with a combined 26 points on 10-14 shooting and 5-of-8 from deep.
Ultimately, though, the decision about whether his NBA career extends beyond 2016 may not be Carter's to make. He has one more season left on his contract after this one, but the Grizzlies hold a $2-million buyout option for the final year of the deal. Though they value Carter's basketball IQ, experience, and leadership, it's unclear if they'll be willing to bite the bullet on the approximately $4.2 million they'd owe him for 2016-17.
- With h/t to Bleacher Report