NBA legend Carter announces retirement from game at 43

By Emre Asikci

ANKARA (AA) - 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.