The Toronto Raptors will finally hang the franchise’s first jersey, a high-flying fan-favorite guard who was once beloved by the city.
Toronto will retire former cornerstone Vince Carter’s jersey on Nov. 2 when they face the Sacramento Kings, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports. The 47-year-old was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August, though his official enshrinement has yet to take place.
The Brooklyn Nets (formerly known as the New Jersey Nets) have announced their plans to hang Carter’s jersey up in the rafters as well.
Carter, an eight-time All-Star selection in his 22-year NBA career, spent his first six seasons north of the border. For a Florida kid who went to a Southern college —the University of North Carolina —which must have been a culture shock. However, Carter would become a man in Canada. In fact, he became ‘Half-Man/Half-Amazing.’
One of the most gifted players the league has ever seen, the young Carter had it all. His explosive athleticism at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds gave him the prototypical physical profile of a wing. He was a shot-maker who could score from all three levels. He was a playmaker from his first day in the league, which certainly helped him win Rookie of the Year. Last but not least, he made a definitive impact as a defensive event-creator.
In his time with the Raptors, the Daytona Beach native averaged 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. He led Toronto to three consecutive playoff appearances, their first postseason berths in franchise history. Carter also memorably won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, with images of his aerial assault lasting to this day.
Frankly, it was the best stretch of his career. Carter had slightly more postseason success with the Nets, however, when he was at the peak of his powers he was with the Raptors. Though there’s a bit of strain in their relationship from how he left Toronto, nothing can change his impact on the franchise.
