Vince Carter has been known as one of the most prolific dunkers in the game since hitting the league as a rookie in 1999. While his best dunking days may be over, he's still been able to maintain his "Half-Man, Half-Amazing" nickname for his longevity—VC is playing his record 22nd season in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, now at age 43.
The plays that originally earned him that nickname, however, are no less amazing now as they were in his prime—especially his epic flush over France's Frederic Weis in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In honor his birthday, we're taking a look back at the sneakers he wore for his 10 most memorable dunks.
20. Rookie 360
19.
Shoe: Puma Cell Origin Mid
Year: 1999
Carter somehow managed to turn the 360 and windmill into routine in-game dunks. Here's an instance of the former during the early part of VC's career. This perfectly executed 360 was done in the Cell Origin Mid, Carter's first shoe with Puma.
18. School Daze
17.
Shoe: Nike Air Strong
Year: 1996
Carter didn't wait until he turned pro to start putting opponents on posters. There are plenty of examples from his days as a North Carolina Tar Heel, including this inbounds alley-oop over two Clemson defenders in the "UNC" Nike Air Strong.
16. Alley-Oop in L.A.
15.
Shoe: Adidas
Year: 2000
For 99 percent of guys who enter the league, this lob is off its mark. For Vince Carter, it's another day at the office. Many forget he had a brief run wearing Adidas between sneaker deals at the turn of the millennium.
14. TMac to VC
13.
Shoe: Puma Cell VI Mid
Year: 1999
Forever one of the NBA's biggest "What If?" stories, the tandem of Carter and cousin Tracy McGrady connected on this fast break, resulting in a freakishly athletic windmill that required some adjusting.
12. Tim Dunkin'
11.
Shoe: Nike Shox VC 2
Year: 2003
Vince Carter has been putting Tim Duncan on posters since college, but this dunk in 2003 stands out among the rest. Why is it special? He almost Frederic Weis'd Duncan. This dunk would have ranked higher if Timmy had put more effort into contesting, but he played it smart and it's still one we'll never forget.
10. Climbing Mount Mutombo
9.
Shoe: Puma Cell Origin Mid
Year: 1999
To be considered a great dunker in the '90s, you had to get the best of 4-time Defensive Player of the Year Dikembe Mutombo at least once. Carter's moment came in his rookie season, when he caught Deke with a one-hander off the baseline. When describing the dunk, Carter said, "For that one dunk, he probably blocked my dunk probably 5 or 6 times before that."
8. Good Mourning
7.
Shoe: Nike Shox VC 5
Year: 2005
Alonzo Mourning was as fearless a shot blocker as Vince Carter was a dunker. Consequently, they had many confrontations at the rim with mixed results. On this occasion, Vince positioned himself sideways, absorbed Zo’s contact, and threw down one of the defining dunks of his career in the fifth installment of the Shox VC.
6. Double Pump Reverse
5.
Shoe: Puma Cell Origin Mid
Year: 1999
The true beauty in Carter's dunks was how effortless he made them look. This double-pump reverse against the Pacers during his rookie season is a great example.
4. Slam Dunk Contest
3.
Shoe: And1 Tai Chi
Year: 2000
While hardcore hoop fans were fully aware of Carter's dunking prowess, the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest officially put him on the map as one of the game's biggest stars. Laced up in And1's Tai Chi, Vince flushed a series of innovative dunks that haven't been topped since.
2. Solid Gold
1.
Shoe: Nike Shox BB4
Year: 2000
The single greatest in-game dunk of all-time took place during the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, when Carter scaled 7'2" Frederic Weis of the French National Team. The gravity-defying dunk gave extra credibility to the springy Shox cushioning technology found on Nike's BB4.