Vince Carter has cemented his place in Toronto Raptors history as the first player to have his jersey retired. His number 15 now hangs from the rafters of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Numerous current NBA players also reached out to share their appreciation, one of them Tristan Thompson crediting Carter for his significant role in promoting basketball in Canada.
Tristan Thompson congratulating Vince Carter on his jersey retirement with the Raptors
“Inspired a whole country to believe we could be in the NBA as well. Without @mrvincecarter15 theres no us 🇨🇦🐐” said Thompson in a post in X (formerly Twitter).
During halftime of the Raptors’ game against the Sacramento Kings, the Canadian franchise honored their first star with a heartfelt tribute. Known as “Mr. Air Canada,” he will always be celebrated for his breathtaking aerial feats and, most notably, for his legendary performance in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest.
Many former teammates, including Tracy McGrady, Antonio Davis, Kevin Willis, Charles Oakley, Morris Peterson, Dee Brown, Jerome Williams, Alvin Williams, and Muggsy Bogues, also joined in the celebration.
“He taught us how to fly, and those who don’t know how to fly, he taught us how to dream how to fly. Yes, he’s a legend,” said team president Masai Ujiri.
Vince Carter’s acceptance speech
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Carter then took the stage to address the enthusiastic crowd, surrounded by his family and many of his former teammates.
“When that jersey goes up shortly, it’s not just Carter 15 going up. It’s all of us going up. The memories that have been created for six years, however you will view it, go up tonight. So I hope and pray, we enjoy our jersey being retired. Forever, together,” said the man known as “Half-man, Half-amazing.”
That number now hangs in the rafters, symbolizing both the inaugural era of Raptors basketball and its most contentious period. When asked before the ceremony if he could have envisioned his jersey being retired by the Raptors a decade ago, Carter firmly replied, “No.”
Carter joined the Toronto Raptors in 1998 and immediately captivated the world with his electrifying dunks and scoring ability, earning him Rookie of the Year honors.
Carter with the Raptors
Over the next five years, he led Toronto to its first playoff appearance while making five consecutive All-Star selections. He energized fans and, more importantly, demonstrated that basketball could truly thrive in Canada.
In 2001, things began to take a turn for the worse when Carter chose to attend his university graduation in North Carolina on the same day as a crucial Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
By missing the game-winner, he left fans disappointed, and their trust began to wane as he faced injuries over the next three seasons.
Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets in a deal many viewed as heavily unfavorable for the Raptors, as he had diminished his market value. Nevertheless, he still earned three additional All-Star selections during his 22-year NBA career.
His high-profile departure in 2004 marked a blemish in his relationship with the Raptors, as he requested the trade that sent Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams, and two future first-round draft picks to Toronto.
Carter faced relentless boos during his returns to Toronto, and his No. 15 jersey was worn by several players, including Jorge Garbajosa, Amir Johnson, Anthony Bennett, and Greg Monroe. However, that will no longer be the case as Carter and the Raptors turn the page to a new chapter, closing the book on the past.
“Putting a bow on the entire experience, not just six years, 22 years of back and forth. He-he, ha-ha. VC sucks to congratulations. That’s all I want,” said Carter in his speech.
Vince Carter played 403 games with the Raptors, averaging 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 37.5 minutes per game.
