Vince Carter has officially announced his retirement from the NBA. The 22-year veteran shared the news this week on The Ringer’s Winging It With Vince Carter podcast.

Carter, age 43, had previously stated that the 2019-2020 NBA season would be his last, after signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks. While the ending to his career was abrupt due to the coronavirus and subsequent suspension of the season, he has insisted that he is focusing on the bigger picture.

“If there was any disappointment because of the season — any of that — it was kind of easier to put it aside and handle it that way,” Carter said. “It’s like, OK, it’s something bigger than my career... It’s unfortunate, but with the coronavirus taking people’s lives rapidly, that’s the big picture in my mind."

Widely regarded as one of the best dunkers of all time, Carter was an eight-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team selection. He is the only NBA player to play 22 seasons and in four different decades.

News of Carter's retirement has led many of his peers to pay tribute on social media. You can see the reactions below.