The time Carter disrespected MJ: "I have to worry about Rip Hamilton because he is the one actually doing the job for the team"

A prime Vince Carter handed out his fair share of lessons on the basketball floor, but it wasn't before he was humbled himself by none other than Michael Jordan . While VC quickly ascended into a household name for his athleticism and ability to score the ball, he did have to take a sip of humility on the way there, as MJ reminded him of a highly respected unwritten rule in the NBA - and that was never to disrespect a legend even if he is past his prime.

The year was 2001, and a wide-eyed Carter was making his mark as an impressive rising star in the league. His Toronto Raptors faced off against Jordan's Washington Wizards. When asked pre-game about facing off against 'His Airness,' Vince said he was more worried about MJ's teammate Rip Hamilton , their leading scorer.

"He is not guarding me, and I am not guarding him, and I just come out there and do my job, and that is what it's all about. Right now, I have to worry about Richard Hamilton because he is the one actually doing the job for the team as far as putting the ball in there, so I have to worry about him," Vince said .

A big mistake

It became apparent very quickly that Carter should have rethought his words, given that he was about to face the most serially competitive person he had ever faced. Unsurprising to anyone, Jordan made it his personal mission to ensure VC knew he could still turn it on when he wanted to, even at 39 years old.

It was all going to plan for Vince in the first half, who scored 23 points and looked to be well on his way to a big night. Meanwhile Michael sat at just nine points on three-of-nine shooting from the field.

The next 24 minutes were a completely different story. Carter went scoreless in the second half, and MJ finished the contest with 21 points, lifting the Wizards to a 93-88 victory.

Hamilton also chimed in post-game to rub salt in the wound by giving VC some gentle shade.

"Vince hit a lot of great shots in the first quarter, but Michael did an excellent job on him. "He's one of the greatest defenders in the game," he said.

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The next coming

Many may not remember, but as Carter started making his mark in the Association, the NBA media quickly dubbed him the second coming of Jordan. It was a tall bill to live up to, and while VC never quite reached those heights individually, he did impact the game in unprecedented ways in Canada.

Still, it's obvious Michael never forgot those storylines. Despite being at the backend of his career, MJ undoubtedly used the contest against Vince in 2001 to remind the world that there would only ever be one Jordan.

Nevertheless, it was a good lesson for Carter, who applied the lessons to a very fruitful 22-season career.

Related: "I'm winning. I don't know how, but I'm winning" – Vince Carter says he's beating Michael Jordan in a slam dunk contest