(Toronto) The Toronto Raptors will honor the player who allowed them to reach the threshold of respectability in the NBA.
Vince Carter was the Raptors’ first superstar and is credited with raising the team’s profile while sparking enthusiasm for basketball across Canada. His number 15 will be retired November 2, when the Raptors face the Sacramento Kings at Scotiabank Arena.
He is the first player in organization history to receive this honor. Carter, who attended an MLSE Foundation event Friday afternoon at Vince Carter Court, expressed his gratitude to the team.
“I have no words,” an emotional Carter said as tears streamed down his cheeks.
Ahead of Friday’s event, the Raptors hung Carter’s iconic No. 15 jersey in key locations across Toronto. The supporters also noticed it during their morning commute.
Carter said it was an honor to be back in the city he considers his “second home.” Former teammates, former members of the Raptors organization and several members of the current team were in attendance.
The Raptors are celebrating their 30th this yeare birthday. Team president Masai Ujiri said it was “appropriate” for Carter to retire his jersey as part of the celebrations.
“This is what I wanted more than anything because I had six crazy years here,” Carter said.
Acquired on draft day in 1998 after being selected fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors, Carter was named Rookie of the Year in his first of seven seasons with the club in 1999.
He won the dunk contest in 2000 and helped the team make the playoffs for the first time the following spring. He also guided the Raptors to the Eastern semifinals in 2001.
The Raptors lost this series against the 76ers of Philadelphia when Carter missed a throw on the final play of Game 7.
Carter agreed to a lucrative six-year contract extension in 2021, but requested a trade in 2004 and was traded to the New Jersey Nets mid-season. The Nets, who are now based in Brooklyn, plan to retire Carter’s number in January.
Carter is the only player in NBA history to play in four different decades. He also played for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks.
Carter played 22 seasons in the NBA before retiring, following the 2019-20 season, averaging 16.7 points per game. He will be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame next month.