Carter played college basketball at North Carolina. He was the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year and won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He won the contest by performing an array of dunks including a 360° windmill, a between the legs bounce dunk, and an "elbow in the rim" dunk (also known as a "cookie jar" dunk or the "honey dip"). He represented the United States in the 2000 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal. He quickly emerged as a league star, entertaining crowds with his leaping ability and slam dunks, earning him nicknames such as "Vinsanity," "Air Canada," and "Half-Man, Half-Amazing." Carter is an eight-time NBA All-Star.