To bring back a time period, you need more than just nostalgia. You need a plan, a goal, and a story that transcends to the generation. As NBC gets ready to take back its place in the NBA media scene, the network isn’t just thinking of starting but of booming the industry with its moves and bringing the best talents that are rooted in the history of the game.

The latest development has caused waves in the basketball world. First, when Michael Jordan was named as a special contributor, everyone was amazed. Now, Vince Carter’s name comes up, and he and Michael Jordan shared an important All-Star moment that the fans would love to recall in the modern day.

NBC is still assembling a great on-air crew as it prepares to return to NBA broadcasting, and their moves so far have astounded the media industry, from announcing the arrival of a ‘special contributor,’ Michael Jordan, to now something more to strengthen its roster.

NBA Hall of Famer Vince Carter will join NBC’s studio crew when the network starts showing league games again next season, the network announced on Tuesday. One of the most exciting players of his time, Carter will meet fans from behind the desk rather than above the rim this time; he will intend to contribute to his new designation as the ‘Studio Analyst’.

“I could not be more excited and appreciative to have the opportunity to be a part of the historic return of the NBA to NBC and now Peacock,” Carter said in a network release. “I am truly looking forward to joining (guard Carmelo Anthony) in the studio and the rest of the broadcast team overall, as we embark on bringing NBA fans best-in-class coverage of the league they love.”

Though he is most known for his legendary years with the Toronto Raptors, 48-year-old Carter represented eight different teams over an amazing 22 seasons in the NBA. His departure from the Raptors squad in 2005 signaled a significant turning point in his distinguished sports career.

Interestingly, NBC had owned NBA rights to Carter’s early career and played one of his most iconic moments, his amazing dunk over France’s Frederic Weis at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. This comes after NBC disclosed that fellow Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest of all time, Michael Jordan who was going to appear as special guest analyst for the 2026 NBA season.

The Moment Vince Carter Stepped Aside For Michael Jordan To Create Legacy

Known for his high-flying dunks and unrivaled agility, Vince Carter by 2003,  had established himself as one of the brightest talents in the NBA, therefore earned his third straight All-Star Game appearance.

But what transpired during that game exposed the humility of the then-Toronto Raptors star and showed how much Michael Jordan had motivated him and many others, so he showed his way of gratitude to the legend in an inspiring way.

Sharing the floor with his idol was a dream come true for Carter, a self-proclaimed fan of the Chicago Bulls icon growing up. Former Raptors guard made a choice and gave up his starting position to MJ when the 2003 NBA All-Star game went off in Atlanta, so ensuring the superstar got the spotlight he deserved in his 14th and final All-Star appearance, the fan gave tribute to his idol in the best possible way.

“My story about MJ goes back to [the 2003 NBA] All-Star [Game] in Atlanta,” Carter said. “I was the leading vote-getter, and I gave my starting position to MJ, which he declined multiple times throughout the day. So, we go on, and he accepts the starting position; he goes on and hits his historic fadeaway.”

“Anytime that All-Star is played on TV or talked about, that memory sticks with me because it was just historic in my mind, historic for all the fans who watched to see MJ do his thing one more time in an All-Star game,” he continued (via Basketball Network).

Despite missing important games that season, fans strongly chose “Vinsanity” as their opener for the 2003 All-Star Game. That year, however, something greater was at play. MJ’s last appearance on the star-studded stage was the 2003 NBA All-Star Game. At season’s end, the six-time NBA champion declared his retirement.

“It was nothing short of amazing and an opportunity that a lot of players in today’s game can’t say. His impact on the game, his impact on players today and players of the past is well-documented,” Carter said.

Although the 2003 All-Star Game was a symbolic passing of the torch, the former lottery pick had developed into one of the league’s brightest stars and a major player in making the Raptors relevant to the wider population. However, now in 2025, both MJ and Carter are likely to be seen in action for the NBC studio. Let’s see whether the legends can give the fans some other iconic moment, but this time off the court.