Toronto Raptors to Retire Vince Carter's Jersey
The Toronto Raptors are set to make a historic move by retiring Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey on November 2, marking the first such honor in the franchise's history. The ceremony will be held when the Raptors host the Sacramento Kings, a fitting moment as it coincides with the team’s 30th-anniversary celebrations.
Known as "Air Canada" for his high-flying dunks and athletic prowess, Carter was drafted fifth overall in 1998 by the Golden State Warriors and then traded to the Raptors on draft night. During his rookie season, he showcased his incredible talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Quickly becoming a fan favorite, Carter led the Raptors to their first playoff appearance in his second season and was a six-time All-Star during his tenure with the team.
Carter's career was punctuated by memorable moments, none more famous than his performance at the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest where he executed a 360-degree dunk between the legs, solidifying his status as an NBA legend. His influence on the Raptors was profound, guiding the team to the playoffs on three occasions and advancing to the second round once.
Despite his substantial contributions, Carter's tenure with the Raptors ended on a less celebratory note. He requested a trade and was subsequently dealt to the New Jersey Nets. The trade, which included Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft picks, was a significant moment in Raptors history. Notably, Alonzo Mourning refused to report to the Raptors and was released, adding a layer of complexity to the transaction.
Time has healed many wounds, and during the Raptors’ 20th-anniversary celebrations in 2014, Toronto fans cheered Carter, recognizing his impact and contributions to the franchise. However, not everyone in the organization agreed with the decision to retire Carter's jersey first. Some high-ranking members felt that Kyle Lowry, another key figure in the Raptors’ success, deserved the honor ahead of Carter.
The decision to retire Carter’s jersey also comes as the Brooklyn Nets announced plans to retire Carter's No. 15 jersey on January 25. Clearly aiming to take precedence, the Raptors scheduled their ceremony earlier in November. Vince Carter’s career, which lasted until 2020, saw him play seven seasons with the Raptors, the longest stint with any team in his 22-year NBA journey. Remarkably, he will have his jersey retired by two different franchises in a single season.
Next month, Carter will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of basketball's greats. As the Raptors prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary, honoring Vince Carter by retiring his jersey is a fitting tribute to a player who brought excitement, skill, and success to the franchise. For many fans and the basketball community at large, the ceremony on November 2 will be a nostalgic nod to an era defined by Carter's electrifying play and enduring legacy.