Atlanta Hawks: Seven Free Agents to Provide Veteran Guidance

1. Vince Carter 6’6 220 • Combo Forward

Vince Carter is the number one player on our veteran free agent list. He spent last season as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. Carter was a godsend for Atlanta, with his veteran leadership helping to mold the young Hawks.

Not only did Carter help mentor his Atlanta teammates, he protected them. Opponents often attempted to intimidate rookies like Trae Young and Kevin Huerter by trash talking them.

When Vince Carter was on the floor, he would step right up to the opposing player talking trash. He would get in their faces and let them know, that there would be no intimidating of his compadres on his watch.

More than just providing leadership, Vince was very productive. He played in 76 of 82 possible games, fourth most on the Atlanta Hawks squad. That in itself is amazing for a man who is 42 years old.

Vince didn’t just play, he played well. He averaged 17 minutes per game and posted totals of 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Extrapolated over a per 36 minute basis, Carter registered 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The rebounding rate was better than his career rate.

Vince was very efficient shooting the three ball, making 38.9 percent of his long-range shots, on 4.2 attempts per game. He also still excited the crowd with multiple dunks during the season, showing he still has plenty of springs left in his legs.

The Atlanta Hawks would certainly like to have Carter back, but a return seems unlikely at this point. Vince wants playing time, and with the signing of Jabari Parker, there probably won’t be many minutes available at the power forward position.

Atlanta is also stocked at the wing position, after drafting both Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter. That means there won’t be much time for Vince Carter at the small forward position either.

The hope is that Carter enjoyed his time in Atlanta so much, that he will take a lesser role to return. Should Vince Carter suit up and step onto the court for a team this season, he will become the first player in NBA history to play in four decades. That’s a wonderful accomplishment of longevity.

Vince Carter has announced that next season will likely be his last. What better place is there for him to have a retirement tour, than with the Atlanta Hawks!

The Atlanta Hawks have nearly all of the pieces in place, to make a return to the NBA Playoffs this season. Yet it is very difficult for a team as young as Atlanta to be a true contender. Signing one of these men could be the missing piece, that allows the Atlanta Hawks to shock the NBA by not only making the playoffs, but also by winning a playoff series this upcoming season. Let’s go Hawks!