Vince Carter reveals how he convinced Michael Jordan to start in his final All-Star game
Vince Carter he convinced himself Michael Jordan was in the starting lineup of the Eastern Conference last time for 2003 NBA All-Star Game.
Jordan played the final year of his storied career with the Washington Wizards during the 2002-03 campaign. Even at age 40, he was still putting on strong performances as one of the league’s top veteran stars at the time.
Carter had a better season while at the height of his stardom with the Toronto Raptors, earning an All-Star selection. However, he revealed on the February 9 episode of All The Smoke that he is gave up his place in the starting line-up so Jordan might get it instead. He even showed his request to the six-time champion what would happen if he didn’t take the spot.
“I was like MJ (Michael Jordan), if you don’t take a seat, I’m going to stay back and not come out,” Carter said.
“I was like MJ (Michael Jordan), if you don’t take a seat, I’m going to stay in the back and I’m not going to come out.”
Vince Carter recalls the time MJ tried not to start in his last All-Star game 😂
(via @allthesmokeprod)
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 9, 2026
How Michael Jordan played in the last NBA season
It was a great sign of respect for Vince Carter to show Michael Jordan, giving the legend his last dance as an All-Star starter in 2003.
Jordan played in all 82 regular season games and was one of the Wizards’ leading scorers with 40. He averaged 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 44.5% from the field, including 29.1% from beyond the arc and 82.1% from the free throw line.
Jordan couldn’t end his career with a last-place finish in the playoffs, as the Wizards were unsuccessful in their postseason pursuit. Even so, he concluded it with his pride and dignity as one of the greatest players to ever play basketball.
2026-02-10 01:38:00
