Aaron Carter, son of Sixers legend Fred Carter, shares his fondest memories of the Spectrum
“Growing up the son of a Sixers coach helped me fall in love with the Spectrum,” recalls Inquirer staff writer Aaron Carter, son of Sixers legend Fred Carter.
Even more than a decade since it was torn down, the Spectrum still holds a special place in the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans.
You can include Inquirer staff writer Aaron Carter, the son of former 76ers player and coach Fred Carter, among them.
A graduate of Ben Franklin High School, Fred Carter played for his hometown team from 1971 until his final NBA season in 1977. He enjoyed his best seasons with the Sixers, averaging 18.8 points per game during his tenure and leading the team in scoring for three straight seasons.
After his playing days were done, Carter got into coaching and eventually became an assistant on the Sixers’ staff from 1987-92 before becoming the head coach from 1992-94.
Carter’s deep roots with the Sixers and the city meant that his son got to experience the Spectrum in a way few others have.
“Sure it was dark, dank, and the smell of animals lingered for weeks after the circus came to town, but growing up the son of a Sixers coach helped me fall in love with the Spectrum,” Aaron Carter recalls.
He explains why here: