[jwplayer 2iFSuO97]
After receiving 95.8% of the votes, Toronto Raptors forward Vince Carter was crowned the 1998-99 NBA Rookie of the Year award winner on May 26, 1999.
Carter, the fifth overall pick, averaged 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, three assists, 1.5 blocked shots and 1.1 steals while shooting 45% from the field in 50 games during the lockout-shortened season. Carter was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Carter emerged as a walking highlight reel during his rookie year with the Raptors, earning the “Air Canada” nickname. He quickly became a fan favorite given his athletic ability and would go on to captivate the basketball world the following year in the Slam Dunk Contest.
Of course, Carter became the first player in NBA history to suit up in four different decades — the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s. Carter announced he would be retiring following this season and may have played his final game, depending on how the NBA returns following the coronavirus pandemic.
[lawrence-related id=17412,12160,8660]
[vertical-gallery id=11659]