Inside The Nets

Nets legend Vince Carter, a finalist for the Naismith HOF Class of 2024

Vinsanity is one step closer to basketball immortality

Peter Sunjic

© Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Former Nets franchise star Vince Carter headlines the finalists of the 2024 Naismith Hall of Fame, joining 13 other basketball figures for the forthcoming enshrinement. In his first year of eligibility since retiring in 2020, he made it to the cut as a first-time candidate on the ballot.

A high-flying legend of the game

Carter's career spanned an NBA-record 22 seasons across eight different franchises — the only player to play across four different decades and was named an eight-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team member. He was the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year and gained general regard as the greatest dunker of all time. VC also helped the United States clinch a gold medal finish in the 2000 Olympic Summer Games in Sydney.

Besides Carter, the finalists' list further includes 2004 Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, ex-WNBA star Seimone Augustus, Wisconsin longtime mentor Bo Ryan, basketball legend Jerry West (as a contributor), five-time champion Michael Cooper, six-time All-Star Walter Davis, Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon, and ex-basketball coach/broadcaster Doug Collins.

The official list of the inductees for this year's Hall of Fame class will be announced on Apr. 6 during the Final Four week of the NCAA Division I Men's basketball tournament.

Remembering VC as a Net

Carter arrived in New Jersey during the midseason of 2004-05 and proceeded to strongly play for five seasons, repping the franchise.

As a Net, VC continued to flirt with his All-Star form, highlight-reel athleticism, and clutch genes. He averaged 23.6 points, 5.8 boards, 4.7 dimes, 1.2 steals, and 44.7 percent shooting for 374 total regular season games with the team.

In his New Jersey run alongside franchise great Jason Kidd, Vinsanity aided the Nets to three-straight postseason appearances, including a back-to-back Conference Semis appearance in 2006 and 2007. Within the franchise statistical record books, he is currently ranked No. 3 in points (8,834) and field goals (3,126) while at No. 4 in both three-point (638) and free throw makes (1,944).

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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