Vince Carter's No. 15 Jersey to be Retired by Toronto Raptors
A monumental moment is on the horizon for the Toronto Raptors and their fans as they prepare to retire Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey on November 2. This historic event, held when the Raptors host the Sacramento Kings, marks the first jersey retirement in the franchise's history. The occasion is a momentous part of the Raptors' 30th anniversary celebrations and pays homage to one of the most electrifying players of his era.
Vince Carter, who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next month, began his NBA journey when he was drafted fifth overall in 1998. Originally selected by the Golden State Warriors, Carter was traded to the Raptors on draft night, a move that would shape the future of the franchise.
Over seven seasons with Toronto, Carter earned the nickname "Air Canada" for his mesmerizing, high-flying dunks and exceptional athleticism. His rookie season saw him clinch Rookie of the Year honors, and in just his second season, he led the Raptors to their first playoff appearance. Carter's tenure with the Raptors was decorated with six All-Star appearances and unforgettable moments such as his 360-degree dunk between the legs at the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest.
Despite the incredible highs, Carter's time with the Raptors was not without controversy. After leading the team to three playoff runs, advancing to the second round once, Carter requested a trade, leading to his departure to the New Jersey Nets. The trade involved several players, including Alonzo Mourning, who refused to report to the Raptors and was subsequently released.
In the years since his departure, Carter has experienced a warming of relations with Raptors fans. During the Raptors’ 20th-anniversary celebrations in 2014, he received a standing ovation from Toronto fans, a gesture that signified a sense of appreciation and closure.
Interestingly, the timing of the Raptors' jersey retirement ceremony seems to have a competitive edge. The Brooklyn Nets, where Carter also made a significant impact, have announced their plans to retire his No. 15 jersey on January 25. By scheduling their event earlier in November, the Raptors will be the first to honor Carter in this unique way, claiming precedence over the Nets' planned ceremony.
Vince Carter's storied career, which spanned until 2020, saw him become an icon not just in Toronto but across the NBA. Playing for multiple teams, his seven seasons with the Raptors remain the longest tenure he had with any single franchise.
While some high-ranking members within the Raptors’ organization felt that current star Kyle Lowry should have his jersey retired first, the decision to honor Carter demonstrates the profound impact "Air Canada" had on the team's history and the league as a whole.
As Toronto gears up for this historic event, fans can reflect on Carter's legacy and the indelible mark he left not just on the Raptors but on the sport of basketball. The jersey retirement ceremony on November 2 will undoubtedly be a night filled with emotion, celebration, and a fitting tribute to one of the game’s greatest ambassadors. Further adding to his legacy, Carter will become one of the few players to have his jersey retired by two different franchises in a single season, solidifying his place in basketball history.