The NBA as an organization has always looked after its superstar athletes. During Michael Jordan’s last season in the league, the NBA made sure that “his Airness” was celebrated and honored in every aspect.

In a recent sports article, an 8x NBA All-Star’s 20-year old sacrifice for Michael Jordan resurfaces.

8x NBA All-Star’s sacrifice

In a recent article by “The SUN”, 8x All-Star Vince Carter’s 20-year-old sacrifice was brought to light. Entering the league in 1998, Vince Carter quickly made a name for himself. After performing exceedingly well in his initial years in the NBA, fans voted him for the All-Star game over Michael Jordan.

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Despite being a 6x NBA champion and one of the most iconic NBA players of all time, Michael Jordan was retiring for good in 2003. He played for the ‘Washington Wizards’ where he averaged 20 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his final season.

A 40-year-old Michael Jordan, however, was not selected as a ‘starter’ in the East All-Star team. The then-young and upcoming NBA star was the legendary Vince Carter, who was selected as a starter for the East All-Star team. He got 200,000 votes from the NBA community, making him earn his first NBA All-Star selection in just his sophomore year. However, the NBA administration encouraged him to give his elite spot to Michael Jordan.

Vince Carter had to convince Michael Jordan, who didn’t want any part of it. In a 2020 appearance on All The Smoke, Carter recalled the situation, “It was encouraged by the league that it was a good idea. By the powers that be,“. He further says, “It was probably a good idea that MJ starts in his last All-Star Game. I ain’t no fool, you know what I’m saying?”. Clearly, the NBA knows how to take care of its ‘royalty’.

Michael Jordan’s performance in the 2003 All-Star game

Vince Carter also mentions in the “All The Smoke” podcast that he “didn’t want to get blackballed from the league” because of the six-time NBA champion’s insistence that VC “earned it” to start. Jordan only accepted the offer after Carter said he wouldn’t come out for the game otherwise, the Florida native said.

Despite being 40 years old, “his Airness” shone in the All-Star game alongside Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Jermaine O’Neal, and Ben Wallace. They went up against Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Steve Francis, and Yao Ming from the Western Conference. The East lost the game by 10 points with the final score being 155-145. Michael Jordan scored 20 points and even hit the buzzer-beater to send the game into double OT.

Jordan finished his last NBA All-Star game as the All-Star Game’s all-time leader in points (262), field goals (110), field-goal attempts (233), and steals (37) in 13 All-Star appearances (the second-most of all time).

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What are your thoughts on Vince Carter’s sacrifice for the 40-year-old Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments below!