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Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter Celebrate Their 20th NBA Season
The living legends both celebrate a milestone in their NBA careers
There are some legends that take time to be appreciated and then there are those that shine brightly as they are moving. Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter belong in the latter category, as some consider them to be living legends in the NBA. And as they celebrate their upcoming 20th season with the league, we cannot help but share the same sentiments.
Nowitzki and Carter are the only players left from the 1998 Draft. Other notable players from their class who hung up their shoes earlier include Paul Pierce and Tyronn Lue. But while Nowitzki and Carter began their journey at the same time, they took different routes to get to where they are now.
Proving his loyalty year in and year out, Nowitzki has spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, Carter initially played for the Toronto Raptors, before moving onto the New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, the Phoenix Suns, the Dallas Mavericks and then to the Memphis Grizzlies. For the upcoming NBA 2017 – 2018 season, he will be playing for the Sacramento Kings.
Then there are their signature movies, of which Nowitzki’s is his iconic fade-away jump shot. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2007. On the other hand, Carter is often hailed as the greatest NBA dunker of all time. He was even named the NBA Slam Dunk Champion in 2000.
There is no arguing that Nowitzki and Carter are both two of the greatest players of their time, but it’s also no debate that the two have honed and mastered their craft over their years in the league. Both players are capable of more now than when the first set foot in the NBA.
Dirk Nowitzki
Points per game | Assists per game | Rebounds per game | |
1998 – 1999 Season | 8.2 | 1.0 | 3.4 |
2016 – 2017 Season | 14.2 | 1.5 | 6.5 |
Career | 21.7 | 2.5 | 7.8 |
Vince Carter
Points per game | Assists per game | Rebounds per game | |
1998 – 1999 Season | 8.0 | 1.8 | 3.1 |
2016 – 2017 Season | 9.2 | 3.3 | 1.5 |
Career | 18.2 | 4.6 | 3.3 |
Some say that the upcoming season might be the last for both Nowitzki and Carter. Nothing is certain at this point and it’s a definite possibility. But us? We’re hoping and ready to see more.
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Source NBA
Image via USA Today