Vince Carter's No. 15 Jersey to Be Retired by Raptors
In what marks a historic moment for the Toronto Raptors franchise, Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey will be retired on November 2. This ceremony, set to take place when the Raptors host the Sacramento Kings, signifies the first jersey retirement in the Raptors' history.
The event will carry added significance as it coincides with the team’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Vince Carter, widely recognized for his high-flying dunks and athletic prowess, earned the moniker "Air Canada" during his tenure with the Raptors, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans.
Selected fifth overall in the 1998 NBA Draft, Carter was initially drafted by the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Raptors on draft night. His arrival in Toronto was a turning point for the team, as he earned Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season and led the Raptors to their first playoff appearance in his second season. A six-time All-Star with the Raptors, Carter's impact on the franchise was immediate and profound.
One of Carter's most memorable moments came in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, where he captivated the audience with a 360-degree dunk between the legs. His athleticism and dunking ability not only secured him the contest victory but also solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players in the league.
During his time with the Raptors, Carter guided the team to the playoffs on three occasions, advancing to the second round once. However, his tenure with the Raptors was not without controversy. Carter requested a trade and was subsequently traded to the New Jersey Nets. The deal involved Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft picks heading to Toronto. Notably, Alonzo Mourning refused to report to the Raptors and was released, adding another layer to the trade's complexity.
Despite the contentious end to his initial stint with the Raptors, Carter's relationship with the city of Toronto underwent a renaissance. In 2014, during the Raptors’ 20th-anniversary celebrations, fans in Toronto showered Carter with cheers, signifying a reconciliation and appreciation for his contributions to the team’s early success.
Interestingly, there were internal debates within the Raptors organization about whether Kyle Lowry, a cornerstone of the Raptors’ recent success and their 2019 NBA Championship, should have his jersey retired first. However, the decision was made to honor Carter, a move many see as the right gesture to commemorate his foundational role in the franchise's history.
Beyond Toronto, Carter's influence stretches to Brooklyn as well. The Brooklyn Nets have announced plans to retire Carter's No. 15 jersey on January 25. By scheduling their ceremony to honor Carter first, the Raptors sought to claim precedence over the Nets. Vince Carter’s seven seasons with the Raptors stand as the longest he spent with any team during his NBA career, which lasted until 2020.
With Carter scheduled to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next month, these jersey retirements will serve as a fitting prelude to recognizing his stellar career. Remarkably, Carter will become one of the few players to have his jersey retired by two different franchises in a single season, a testament to his enduring legacy and widespread impact on the game of basketball.