Vince Carter, once the electrifying superstar of the Toronto Raptors, was honored on Saturday as the first player in franchise history to have his jersey retired. The No. 15 jersey ceremony took place at Scotiabank Arena during halftime of the Raptors’ game against the Sacramento Kings, drawing cheers from fans celebrating Carter’s lasting impact on Canadian basketball.
Carter, who played for Toronto from 1998 to 2004, captivated fans with his gravity-defying dunks and remarkable athleticism, leaving a legacy that still resonates. He remains a franchise record-holder and earned five of his eight NBA All-Star appearances while in Toronto.
“Growing up, he was at the forefront of all of our basketball dreams,” said Mavericks backup big man Dwight Powell. “Especially the way he played and being in Toronto, we all followed him.”
Carter’s former teammate and current Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who played alongside him in New Jersey and Dallas, praised Carter’s competitiveness and love for the game. “He’s a winner, he loves the moment, he wasn’t scared. Playing with Vince was a privilege,” Kidd said.
Nicknamed “Vinsanity” and “Half Man, Half Amazing,” Carter’s 22-year career spanned eight teams, culminating in his Hall of Fame induction just two months ago. Beyond his prolific scoring and clutch performances—including a memorable Game 3 buzzer-beater for the Mavs in 2014—Carter’s legendary dunks, highlighted by his 2000 Slam Dunk Contest victory, elevated the art of dunking to new heights.
Drafted fifth overall in 1998 by the Golden State Warriors, Carter was traded to the Raptors for Antawn Jamison on draft night, instantly becoming a fan favorite in Canada. Powell summed up Carter’s influence: “Even though he’s not technically Canadian, we embraced him as if he was. He’s a huge part of our basketball culture.”
Carter’s jersey retirement not only celebrates his on-court achievements but also honors the inspiration he provided to an entire generation of players and fans, solidifying his place in NBA history.
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