Vince Carter, the legendary basketball player, was visibly emotional as the Toronto Raptors retired his iconic No. 15 jersey in a heartfelt halftime ceremony during Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings.
Addressing the fans, Carter expressed gratitude and acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, 'It's not just Carter 15 going up, it's all of us going up. The memories, however you view it, goes up tonight. I hope and pray we enjoy our jersey being retired forever together.'
The ceremony was attended by Carter's former teammates, including Tracy McGrady, Antonio Davis, and Kevin Willis, among others, as well as Raptors president Masai Ujiri.
Carter, who spent the first six-plus seasons of his illustrious 22-year career with the Raptors, was pivotal in putting Toronto on the basketball map. He was named the 1999 Rookie of the Year and went on to become an All-Star and Slam Dunk champion during his tenure with the team.
Despite a controversial exit from Toronto in 2004, Carter's relationship with the city and its fans has since been mended, culminating in the retirement of his jersey and various tributes, including a mural in downtown Toronto and the revitalization of Vince Carter Court at a local park.
Recognized for his impact on Canadian basketball, Carter's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players, with stars like Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, and Kelly Olynyk crediting him for paving the way.
Reflecting on his time in Toronto, Carter expressed gratitude for the support and memories, highlighting the playoff victory against the New York Knicks as one of the standout moments of his Raptors career.
Now retired and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Carter's contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy in Toronto serve as a testament to his lasting impact on the game.
