TORONTO (AP) — Vince Carter, overcome with emotion, reflected on his complicated departure from the Toronto Raptors as his No. 15 jersey was retired during a halftime ceremony at Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. This event marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the Raptors honored a player in this way.
Before the unveiling of his jersey banner, Carter connected with the crowd, stating, “It’s not just Carter 15 going up, it’s all of us going up. The memories, however you view it, go up tonight. I hope and pray we enjoy our jersey being retired forever together.” His heartfelt words resonated with longtime fans who remembered his spectacular contributions to the team.
As he walked to center court, Carter gestured for the fans to cheer and enthusiastically shouted, “Come on!” creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared excitement and nostalgia. He shared the spotlight with former teammates including Tracy McGrady, Muggsy Bogues, and Kevin Willis, as well as Raptors president Masai Ujiri, all gathered to celebrate this moment.
Ujiri praised Carter, telling the crowd, “He taught us how to fly,” highlighting the impact Carter had on basketball in Canada. During a pregame press conference, Carter struggled to contain his emotions, shedding tears as he spoke about family. At one point, he invited his young son Vincent Jr. to join him on stage for a touching embrace, showcasing the importance of family in his life.
Known as the only player in NBA history to compete across four decades, Carter had an illustrious career spanning over 22 seasons, with the first six-plus years spent with the Raptors. He was named the Rookie of the Year in 1999 and earned All-Star honors, as well as winning the Slam Dunk Contest in his second season, which was significant as it marked Toronto’s first playoff appearance.
Reflecting on his time with the Raptors, Carter recalled one of his fondest memories: a thrilling series victory against the New York Knicks. “Going through what (former Knicks coach) Mr. Jeff Van Gundy put me through with his defense, I was excited to have that opportunity to go against that defense again,” he said, reminiscing about the exhilarating Game 5 upset at Madison Square Garden.
Carter’s influence on the game of basketball in Canada is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of players, including Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, and Kelly Olynyk. “The legacy is still growing,” he mentioned, acknowledging his significant role in popularizing basketball in the country. Moments before the jersey retirement ceremony, several former players, including Stephen Curry and Kyle Lowry, shared congratulatory messages in a video tribute, showcasing the deep respect he earned throughout his career. “I wouldn’t be here without you,” Thompson expressed in the touching montage.
Early in his Raptors tenure, Carter earned the moniker “Air Canada” for his incredible dunks. However, his approach to the game evolved as injuries took a toll on his performance, leading to criticism from fans who felt he was less aggressive. Eventually, in December 2004, Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets for a package that included Alonzo Mourning, marking a difficult chapter in his relationship with Raptors fans.
For years, resentment lingered among Raptors supporters regarding Carter’s exit. However, healing began during his return to Toronto with the Memphis Grizzlies in November 2014, when the Raptors honored him with a tribute video as part of their 20th-anniversary celebrations. On that night, despite a mixed reaction from the fans, the majority of the sold-out crowd ended up standing and applauding, bringing Carter to tears as he raised his arms in gratitude.
During his pregame press conference leading up to the jersey retirement, Carter reflected on that special moment nearly a decade ago, saying, “It’s something about seeing those highlights in this building, because that’s where it was created.” Carter officially retired from professional basketball in 2020 at age 43. Last month, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Earlier on Saturday, the city honored Carter with the unveiling of a mural in downtown Toronto. Additionally, the Raptors dedicated a revitalized Vince Carter Court in a local park, solidifying his legacy in the city. “This is the icing on the cake,” Carter said, encapsulating the joy of the day’s events.
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