Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports

Hawks Coach Lloyd Pierce Shocked Vince Carter Wasn’t Named Honorary All-Star

In the 1998 NBA Draft, Vince Carter was initially drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the fifth overall pick. But he was traded to the Toronto Raptors for the fourth overall pick, Antawn Jamison, on draft night – the beginning of a new era in ‘The 6ix’.

More than 20 years later, Carter is still playing, and when this current season tipped-off, Carter started his NBA record 22nd season in the league.

But, even though this season will indeed be his final one, Carter won’t be an honorary All-Star.

Last year, NBA legends Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade were invited to play one final All-Star game in their final career years, and NBA fans loved it.

That’s why Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce was more than surprised that the NBA didn’t name Vince Carter as an honorary All-Star this year, rightfully so.

“It was brought up, maybe two weeks ago, and I am surprised. 

I don’t know why they did it last year and I don’t know why they’re not this year. Whatever the reason for them to do it last year, it made it special – what a great way for honoring 2 legends. We have a legend in our locker room and I don’t understand why it didn’t happen.

A lot of people calling for him to be in the Slam Dunk contest and I was hoping he’d be in the 3-Point Contest. I do think he deserves to be there that weekend and it would be another way of honoring someone who’s done something that no one else in our league has done.”

Pierce: "A lot of people calling for him to be in the Slam Dunk contest & I was hoping he’d be in the 3-Point Contest. I do think he deserves to be there that weekend & it would be another way of honoring someone who’s done something that no one else in our league has done." (3)

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) February 10, 2020