History of Vince Carter in Timeline

Vince Carter, a former professional basketball player, is renowned for his remarkable 22-season NBA career, tied with LeBron James for the most in league history. Primarily a shooting guard and small forward, he was an eight-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team selection. Carter holds the distinction of being the only player to have played in four different decades in the NBA, showcasing his longevity and adaptability. In 2024, his contributions to the sport were formally recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: NBA Tracking of Steals

In 1973, the NBA began officially tracking steals, setting the historical context for Carter's achievement in 2001.

January 26, 1977: Vince Carter's Birth

On January 26, 1977, Vincent Lamar Carter Jr. was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Charles Barkley's performance

In 1988, Charles Barkley recorded 40 points, 15 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 assists in a game. This feat was repeated by Carter in 2001.

1995: Enrollment at the University of North Carolina

In 1995, Vince Carter enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

1995: Carter played in FIBA Under-19 World Cup

In 1995, Vince Carter played for the United States men's national under-19 team at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Athens under head coach Kelvin Sampson. He tied for the team lead in blocks.

1995: McDonald's All-American

In 1995, Vince Carter was named a McDonald's All-American during his high school career.

1997: Carter and McGrady discover their relation

In 1997, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady discovered they are second cousins during a family reunion.

1997: North Carolina ACC Tournament Title

In 1997, Vince Carter helped North Carolina win the ACC men's basketball tournament title.

May 1998: Declared for the 1998 NBA draft

In May 1998, Vince Carter declared for the 1998 NBA draft after his junior year at North Carolina.

1998: Teammate with Tracy McGrady

Between 1998 and 2000, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady were teammates in Toronto, forming a formidable duo.

1998: Drafted by Golden State, Traded to Toronto

In 1998, Vince Carter was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and immediately traded to the Toronto Raptors.

1998: Selected in the NBA Draft

In 1998, Vince Carter was selected fifth overall in the NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, who then traded him to the Toronto Raptors.

1998: Carter establishes Embassy of Hope foundation

In 1998, upon being drafted into the NBA, Vince Carter established his charitable foundation, The Embassy of Hope.

February 1999: NBA Debut and Rookie of the Year

In February 1999, Vince Carter began playing in the NBA after the lockout and quickly became a fan favorite, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

1999: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1999, Vince Carter won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award while playing for the Toronto Raptors.

1999: Carter signed with Puma

Prior to his first NBA season in 1999, Vince Carter signed a sponsorship deal with Puma, leading to the release of his first signature shoe, the Puma Vinsanity. However, Carter broke his contract with Puma prematurely.

August 2000: McGrady Leaves Raptors

In August 2000, Tracy McGrady left the Toronto Raptors in free agency to join the Orlando Magic, leaving Vince Carter as the franchise player.

August 2000: Graduation from North Carolina

In August 2000, Vince Carter graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in Afro-American studies.

2000: Carter plays in the Summer Olympics

During the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Vince Carter led the U.S. in scoring, averaging 14.8 points a game, and performed a memorable dunk over Frédéric Weis. The U.S. team won the gold medal that year.

2000: Dunk of Death at 2000 Summer Olympics

During the 2000 Summer Olympics, Vince Carter performed his famous "Dunk of Death" against France, which is considered one of the most iconic dunks of all time.

2000: First Playoff Appearance

In 2000, Vince Carter led the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever playoff appearance.

2000: Slam Dunk Contest Win and Olympic Gold Medal

In 2000, Vince Carter won the Slam Dunk Contest at the NBA All-Star Weekend and also won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics representing the United States, where he led the team in scoring.

2000: All-NBA Second Team Selection

In the 2000-01 NBA season, Vince Carter was named to the All-NBA Second Team.

2000: Carter signed with Nike

Prior to the 2000 Summer Olympics, Vince Carter signed with Nike, resulting in the debut and public release of his first signature Nike Shox shoe, the Nike Shox BB4 PE. Nike released five other signature Shox models bearing Carter's initials.

May 2001: Attendance at Graduation Ceremonies

In May 2001, Vince Carter attended graduation ceremonies at North Carolina before leaving to make a Raptors' playoff game in Philadelphia.

August 2001: Signed Contract Extension

In August 2001, Vince Carter signed a six-year contract extension worth as much as $94 million with the Toronto Raptors.

December 7, 2001: Carter's Performance Against the Denver Nuggets

On December 7, 2001, Vince Carter recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals against the Denver Nuggets, joining Charles Barkley as only the second player to achieve this since 1973.

2001: Career-High Season and Playoff Series vs. 76ers

In 2001, Vince Carter averaged a career-high 27.6 points per game and had a memorable playoff series against Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored 50 points in Game 3 and set an NBA playoff record for most three-point field goals made in one game. He missed a potential game-winning shot in Game 7.

2001: First Playoff Series Win

In 2001, Vince Carter led the Toronto Raptors to a 47-win season and their first-ever playoff series win.

2002: Off-Season Surgery

Following off-season surgery, Vince Carter only played 43 games during the 2002–03 season.

2002: Injury and Playoff Defeat

In 2002, Vince Carter missed the final 22 games of the regular season due to injury and was unable to participate in the All-Star Game. The Raptors were defeated in the first round of the playoffs without him.

February 2003: Carter Gives Up All-Star Spot for Jordan

In February 2003, Vince Carter gave up his starting spot in the 2003 NBA All-Star Game to Michael Jordan, allowing Jordan to make his final start as an All-Star.

2003: Carter replaced Kobe Bryant in the FIBA Americas Tournament

In 2003, Vince Carter replaced Kobe Bryant on the USA roster for the FIBA Americas Tournament while Bryant was undergoing surgeries on his knee and shoulder.

July 2004: Carter married Ellen Rucker

In July 2004, Vince Carter married Ellen Rucker, a chiropractor.

December 2004: Traded to the New Jersey Nets

In December 2004, Vince Carter was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the New Jersey Nets.

December 17, 2004: Traded to New Jersey Nets

On December 17, 2004, Vince Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets for Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft picks.

2004: Carter declines Olympic spot

In 2004, Vince Carter was offered an Olympic spot after Kobe Bryant withdrew due to allegations of sexual assault, but Carter chose instead to take time off during the summer to rest and heal, as well as to get married.

April 15, 2005: First Game Back in Toronto

On April 15, 2005, Vince Carter's first game back in Toronto saw him heavily booed by Raptors fans, despite finishing with 39 points in a New Jersey victory.

November 7, 2005: Memorable dunk against Miami Heat

On November 7, 2005, Vince Carter executed a memorable dunk against the Miami Heat, over defensive player Alonzo Mourning.

December 23, 2005: NBA record for most free throws made in a quarter

On December 23, 2005, Vince Carter set an NBA record for the most free throws made in a quarter (4th quarter) with 16 against Miami, also tying his career-high of 51 points in the same game.

January 8, 2006: Game-Winning Shot in Toronto

On January 8, 2006, Vince Carter hit a long three-pointer with 0.1 seconds left to seal a 105–104 win against the Raptors in Toronto, which he considered one of his greatest shots ever.

September 2006: Carter visits Duquesne University basketball team

In September 2006, Vince Carter visited with the Duquesne University men's basketball team in Pittsburgh as a show of support after five of its players were shot.

2006: Named as a reserve to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game

During the 2006–07 season, Vince Carter was named as a reserve to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, marking his eighth All-Star appearance.

2006: Carter divorced Ellen Rucker

In 2006, Vince Carter and Ellen Rucker divorced. They have one daughter together.

2006: Named Eastern Conference All-Star in 2006

In 2006, Vince Carter was named an Eastern Conference All-Star. During the 2005–06 season, the Carter-Kidd duo co-led the Nets to 49 wins, an Atlantic Division title, and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Carter helped lead the Nets to the second round of the playoffs before losing to the eventual NBA champions Miami Heat in five games, averaging 29.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 11 playoff games.

February 3, 2007: Statue of Carter unveiled at Mainland High School

On February 3, 2007, a statue of Vince Carter was unveiled at Mainland High School.

April 7, 2007: Triple-doubles with Jason Kidd

On April 7, 2007, in a 120–114 overtime win over the Washington Wizards, Vince Carter and Jason Kidd became the first teammates in over 18 years to record triple-doubles in the same game. Carter finished with 46 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists.

July 2007: Re-signed with the Nets

In July 2007, Vince Carter re-signed with the Nets to a four-year, $61.8 million contract.

2007: Named captain of the Nets

During the 2007–08 season, following Kidd's trade to the Mavericks, Carter became captain of the Nets.

2007: Florida Governor's Points of Light award

In 2007, Vince Carter received the Florida Governor's Points of Light award for his philanthropic work in his home state.

November 21, 2008: Game-Winning Alley-Oop Dunk

On November 21, 2008, Vince Carter hit a game-winning alley-oop dunk with 1.5 seconds left in overtime against the Raptors, securing a 129–127 victory.

February 3, 2009: Recorded fifth career triple-double

On February 3, 2009, Vince Carter recorded his fifth career triple-double with 15 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 99–85 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

June 25, 2009: Traded to the Orlando Magic

On June 25, 2009, Vince Carter was traded to the Orlando Magic, along with Ryan Anderson, in exchange for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, and Courtney Lee.

February 8, 2010: Season-high 48 points

On February 8, 2010, Vince Carter scored a season-high 48 points, 34 in the second half, when the Magic rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Hornets 123–117.

December 18, 2010: Acquired by the Phoenix Suns

On December 18, 2010, Vince Carter was acquired by the Phoenix Suns along with Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, and a first-round draft pick in 2011 in exchange for Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark.

2010: Carter opened a restaurant

In 2010, Vince Carter opened a restaurant named for himself in Daytona Beach. His mother operated the restaurant.

January 17, 2011: Reached 20,000 career points

On January 17, 2011, Vince Carter recorded 29 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the New York Knicks, reaching 20,000 career points and becoming the 37th NBA player to reach that milestone.

July 2011: Iverson Reflects on 2001 Playoff Series

In July 2011, Allen Iverson reflected on the incredible 2001 playoff series between Carter's Raptors and his 76ers, highlighting the competitive intensity and mutual respect between the two stars.

November 2011: Interview on Off the Record

In November 2011, Vince Carter, along with Tracy McGrady and Charles Oakley, discussed his time in Toronto on "Off the Record with Michael Landsberg," expressing his love for the city despite the booing.

December 9, 2011: Waived by the Phoenix Suns

On December 9, 2011, following the conclusion of the NBA lockout, Vince Carter was waived by the Phoenix Suns.

December 12, 2011: Signed with the Dallas Mavericks

On December 12, 2011, Vince Carter signed a three-year contract with the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks.

January 31, 2012: Designated One of 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans

On January 31, 2012, Vince Carter was recognized as one of the 35 greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

April 20, 2012: 1,500 3-pointers

On April 20, 2012, Vince Carter became the eighth player in NBA history with 1,500 3-pointers in a game against the Golden State Warriors.

November 6, 2012: Carter Reiterates Love for Toronto

On November 6, 2012, Vince Carter reiterated his love for Toronto and the Raptors organization in an interview with TSN Radio 1050.

February 13, 2013: Passed Larry Bird on NBA's career scoring list

On February 13, 2013, Vince Carter passed Larry Bird on the NBA's career scoring list, moving into 29th place, with 26 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings. He ended the night with 21,796 career points.

March 16, 2014: Passed 23,000 career points

On March 16, 2014, Vince Carter reached 23,010 career points, becoming the 27th NBA player to pass the 23,000-point mark in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

April 2014: Ujiri Recognizes Carter

In April 2014, Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri called Vince Carter "one of the symbols of the Toronto Raptors," highlighting his significance to the franchise.

April 30, 2014: First 20-point game

On November 8, 2016, Carter scored 20 points against the Denver Nuggets and became the oldest player in the NBA to post a 20-point game since Vince carter's last 20-point game since April 30, 2014

July 12, 2014: Signed with the Memphis Grizzlies

On July 12, 2014, Vince Carter signed a multi-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

November 13, 2014: Game-winning alley-oop assist

On November 13, 2014, Vince Carter made a game-winning alley-oop assist from the sideline to teammate Courtney Lee at the buzzer to win the game 111–110 over the Sacramento Kings.

November 19, 2014: Tribute video during Raptors-Grizzlies game

On November 19, 2014, the Raptors paid tribute to Vince Carter with a video montage during the first quarter of the Raptors–Grizzlies game as part of their 20th-anniversary celebration. Despite initial booing, Carter received a standing ovation from the crowd, leading to an emotional reaction from him.

December 17, 2014: Scored season-high 18 points

On December 17, 2014, Vince Carter scored a season-high 18 points in a triple overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs. Carter also moved into 25th in all-time NBA scoring during the game, passing Robert Parish (23,334).

2014: Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award for the 2015–16 season

Vince Carter was awarded with the Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award for the 2015–16 season, which recognizes the best teammate based on selfless play, leadership, and commitment.

February 24, 2016: Passed Charles Barkley in career points scored

On February 24, 2016, Vince Carter passed Charles Barkley for 24th in career points scored, with nine points scored against the Los Angeles Lakers.

November 1, 2016: Played in 1,278th NBA game

On November 1, 2016, Vince Carter played in his 1,278th NBA game, tying him with A.C. Green for 25th on the NBA's career list, and also became the 24th player in NBA history to surpass 24,000 career points.

2016: Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award

In 2016, Vince Carter received the Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.

January 2017: Carter's restaurant sold

In January 2017, the restaurant owned by Vince Carter in Daytona Beach was sold for $4.3 million. His mother had been operating the restaurant.

July 10, 2017: Carter signed with the Sacramento Kings

On July 10, 2017, Vince Carter signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.

August 18, 2017: Carter named Most Influential Veteran

On August 18, 2017, Vince Carter was named the Most Influential Veteran by the NBA Players Association during the Players Voice Awards.

December 27, 2017: Carter scores season-high against Cavaliers

On December 27, 2017, Vince Carter scored a season-high 24 points in a 109–95 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked the first time in NBA history that a 40-plus-year-old reserve scored at least 20 points in a game.

January 28, 2018: Carter and Ginóbili make NBA history

On January 28, 2018, Vince Carter and Manu Ginóbili made NBA history in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. Carter scored 21 points and Ginóbili scored 15, marking the first time in NBA history where two players over the age of 40 each scored at least 15 points in the same game.

March 19, 2018: Carter passes Patrick Ewing on NBA's career scoring list

On March 19, 2018, Vince Carter moved past Patrick Ewing into 22nd place on the NBA's career scoring list during a game against the Detroit Pistons, where he scored seven points.

August 24, 2018: Carter signed with the Atlanta Hawks

On August 24, 2018, Vince Carter signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

October 17, 2018: Carter debuts with the Hawks

On October 17, 2018, Vince Carter debuted for the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 12 points in a loss to the New York Knicks and becoming the second oldest player in NBA history to start a season opener.

February 7, 2019: Carter passes Jerry West on NBA's all-time scoring list

On February 7, 2019, Vince Carter passed Jerry West for 21st on the NBA's all-time scoring list during a game against the Toronto Raptors.

March 1, 2019: Carter plays 45 minutes at 42 years old

On March 1, 2019, at 42 years old, Vince Carter became the oldest player in NBA history to play at least 45 minutes in a game, during a quadruple-overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls.

September 20, 2019: Carter re-signed with the Hawks

On September 20, 2019, Vince Carter re-signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

October 24, 2019: Carter's 22nd season begins

On October 24, 2019, Vince Carter played his first game of the season, officially marking his 22nd season in the NBA.

December 10, 2019: Carter plays his 1,500th game

On December 10, 2019, Vince Carter became the fifth player in NBA history to play at least 1,500 games.

January 4, 2020: Carter plays in four different decades

On January 4, 2020, during a win over the Indiana Pacers, Vince Carter became the only player in NBA history to have played in four different decades.

January 22, 2020: Carter moves past Alex English on NBA all-time scoring list

On January 22, 2020, Vince Carter moved past Alex English for 19th on the NBA all-time scoring list.

January 31, 2020: Carter moves to 3rd in all-time NBA games played

On January 31, 2020, Vince Carter moved up to 3rd place in all-time NBA games played with 1,523, passing Dirk Nowitzki in the process.

March 11, 2020: Carter's final NBA game

On March 11, 2020, Vince Carter played his final NBA game against the New York Knicks, making a three-pointer in the final seconds. The NBA suspended the season that day due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 25, 2020: Carter announces retirement

On June 25, 2020, Vince Carter officially announced his retirement from the NBA at the age of 43.

September 17, 2020: Carter joins ESPN as an analyst

On September 17, 2020, Vince Carter signed a multi-year contract with ESPN to serve as an NBA and college basketball analyst.

July 2023: ESPN does not renew Carter's contract

In July 2023, it was reported that ESPN would not renew Vince Carter's contract during a series of layoffs for the network.

October 24, 2023: Carter joins YES Network as analyst

On October 24, 2023, Vince Carter joined YES Network as a part-time analyst for Brooklyn Nets games.

2023: Inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame

In 2023, Vince Carter was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

November 2, 2024: Raptors retire Carter's jersey

On November 2, 2024, Vince Carter's jersey was retired by the Raptors, making him the first Raptors player to have his jersey retired by the franchise.