On Saturday, the Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s famous No. 15 jersey at Scotiabank Arena, making him the first player in team history to achieve this honor. The emotional ceremony took place during halftime of the game against the Sacramento Kings, celebrating Carter’s exciting career.
He expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s not just Carter 15 going up, it’s all of us going up… I hope and pray we enjoy our jersey being retired forever together.” In front of 19,800 fans, Carter gave a heartfelt speech, looking back on his time with the Raptors.
Surrounded by former teammates, family, and Raptors president Masai Ujiri, he was clearly moved, often pausing to gather his emotions. During a pregame press conference, he called it “a day I’ll never forget.” A special moment was when his young son, Vincent Jr., joined him for a hug. Ujiri remarked, “He taught us how to fly.”
After the ceremony, a moment from Carter’s emotional speech has gone viral. Amid the cheering crowd, “Air Canada” joyfully shouted “COME ON” twice, a rare highlight. Carter’s heartfelt display has inspired a wave of memes on social media, with fans sharing humorous captions.
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This occasion was significant because Carter’s relationship with the Raptors has had ups and downs. After asking for a trade-in 2004, he faced boos when he returned to Toronto, but a tribute in 2014 helped heal that relationship. Reflecting on this, Carter said, “Standing right here… my heart was full of joy.” With his jersey now retired, he described the moment as “the icing on the cake,” completing a journey that greatly influenced Canadian basketball.
The Legacy Of Vince Carter
Carter’s impact on Canadian basketball undeniably earned him the nickname “Air Canada” for his iconic dunks and inspiring future NBA stars like Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph, and Kelly Olynyk. In a heartfelt video tribute, notable players like Stephen Curry, Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and Thompson celebrated his influence, with Thompson stating, “I wouldn’t be here without you.”
The Toronto Raptors honored Carter’s achievements, including his 1999 Rookie of the Year title and legendary Slam Dunk Contest win. Ujiri called him “a legend… an icon… half-man, half-amazing.” The Toronto crowd’s standing ovation underscored Carter’s lasting impact on the Raptors and Canadian basketball.
Even though he retired in 2020 and the Hall of Fame recently inducted him, Carter remains connected to Toronto through his new role with Sportsnet. He shared his love for the city, saying, “My love for this place… I was more than thrilled and happy to call games for this team.” With a mural and a renovated park court in his honor, Carter’s legacy inspires both long-time Raptors fans and new generations.
