The Toronto Raptors are set to retire Vince Carter’s No. 15 during their game against the Sacramento Kings on November 2. This milestone will mark the first NBA jersey to be honored in the rafters of Scotiabank Arena, as reported by TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.
Carter, selected fifth overall in the 1998 NBA Draft, was acquired by the Raptors in a draft-day trade. He made history by scoring the first-ever basket at the arena and played seven seasons with the team, averaging 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Throughout his tenure, the 6-foot-6 guard was named an All-Star in six of those seven seasons and was instrumental in leading Toronto to its first playoff appearance in just his second year. He also guided the Raptors to their inaugural playoff series victory the following season.
In 1999, Carter received the Rookie of the Year award, which remains the only season in Toronto where he did not earn an All-Star selection. Known as “Half Man, Half Amazing,” he became famous for his memorable performance in the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, establishing himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league during his time in Canada.
(2000) 19 years ago today, Vince Carter shut DOWN the NBA Dunk Contest.
"IT'S OVER!" 🗣 pic.twitter.com/XIObsnqmb1
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) February 12, 2019
November 2 will also be significant as it will be the first occasion that Raptors icon DeMar DeRozan competes in Toronto as a member of the Kings, following his three-year, $74 million contract signed with Sacramento during the offseason.
Additionally, the Brooklyn Nets, who acquired Carter from the Raptors in the 2004-05 season, have announced plans to retire his number on January 25, 2025. Carter, a former North Carolina Tar Heel, is set to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in October. Over his career, he played for eight different teams and holds the record for the most seasons played in the NBA, totaling 22 years.
