Vince Carter was one of the most impactful stars to play in the NBA during his time with the Toronto Raptors and his stint with the New Jersey Nets. In May 2024, the Nets announced they would retire Carter's jersey during the 2024-25 season, and those plans materialized in late September when Carter revealed the date and game Brooklyn would hold the ceremony. Many Raptors fans felt Toronto should also retire Carter's jersey, and the franchise has finally taken a stance on the matter.
The Raptors plan to retire Carter's No. 15 jersey when they host the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 2 of the 2024-25 season, Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports reports. Carter scored the first-ever basket at Scotiabank Arena nearly 26 years ago and will be the first player in the franchise's 30-year history to have his jersey go in the rafters, Lewenberg added.
Nets fans have fond memories of Carter, but they also respect the origin story of "Vinsanity."
The Raptors acquired Vince Carter in a draft-day trade with the Golden State Warriors in 1998 after Golden State selected him with their fifth overall pick. Carter quickly developed as the face of the Raptors with his three-level scoring ability and incredible athleticism.
During the 1998-99 season, Carter averaged 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He made a notable improvement during the next season, averaging 25.7 points and increasing his three-point shooting percentage from 28.3 to 40.3. Moreover, in February of 2000, Carter put on one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. During that year's dunk contest, Carter wowed fans with tantalizing slams, including his renowned 360-degree dunk and elbow-in-rim dunk that won him the competition.
Carter continued to be a reliable producer for Toronto, earning several All-Star berths before the team traded him to the Nets during the 2004-05 season.
Vince Carter continues to wow fans in 2024
Carter may be retired from the NBA, but he still provides valuable insight and entertainment for fans. He joined YES Network as a Brooklyn Nets Game Analyst for the 2023-24 season and looks to continue the role in 2024-25.
Moreover, during the NBA's Dunk Week in late August 2024, the now 47-year-old gave fans a glimpse of his iconic athleticism by dunking at Barclay's Center in an impressive on-court display.
Vince Carter's time with the Raptors, Nets, and all of his other stops are appreciated by fans, and it great to see him continue to gain recognition.