NBA legend Carter announces retirement from game at 43

ANKARA

Atlanta Hawks star Vince Carter said Thursday he has retired from basketball, ending a successful 22-year NBA career.

"Making my last shot helped the situation. I think if I didn't make my last shot, it'd have been a little different. It'd have felt a little different. I'd have been itching to, at least get back and just play one minute and just make one shot -- I don't care what it would be: free throw, layup, I don't care," Carter, 43, said on NBA.com

"As a player playing your last game -- whether you know it or not -- you always want to say, 'well, at least I made the last shot of my career.' And I can actually say that, so I'm happy," he added.

Carter is the only player in NBA history to play 22 seasons and the first to play a game in four different decades.

The eight-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year winner also was part of Team USA's gold-medal squad at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

He has played for the New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.

ANKARA

Atlanta Hawks star Vince Carter said Thursday he has retired from basketball, ending a successful 22-year NBA career.

"As a player playing your last game -- whether you know it or not -- you always want to say, 'well, at least I made the last shot of my career.' And I can actually say that, so I'm happy," he added.

Carter is the only player in NBA history to play 22 seasons and the first to play a game in four different decades.

The eight-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year winner also was part of Team USA's gold-medal squad at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

He has played for the New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.