It’s official: Vince Carter coming back for record-breaking 22nd season

We’ve known for months, but Vince Carter made it official on Monday, signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, breaking the record for most seasons played.

Vince Carter has made it official. He’s coming back for one last dance.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the sure-to-be Hall of Famer has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Atlanta Hawks. Carter actually made it known previously that he intended to come back for a 22nd and final season, so this signing may be a bit anti-climatic.

However, what makes Carter’s one-year farewell tour special is the fact that he will be breaking the NBA record for most seasons played. Last season, Carter and Dirk Nowitzki tied Robert Parish, Kevin Willis and Kevin Garnett for the most seasons played milestone, with both playing their 21st seasons.

When Nowitzki retired at the end of the season, that left the door open for Carter to break the record. Carter came into prominence while playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels, making announcers come to tears over his spectacular dunks and athleticism.

He was drafted 5th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft and quickly elevated himself to superstar status (and saving the NBA Slam Dunk Competition) with the Toronto Raptors. From there, he also played with the then-New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and now the Hawks.

In each of his twilight stops, Carter has proven to be a reliable contributor and, on some occasions, busting out the athleticism that made him an instant sensation at the turn of the 21st century. With this being Carter’s last season, he should receive the same farewell tour that other legendary NBA players have received.

Why? Because Carter is a legendary player himself, and there will not be another “Vincanity” ever again.