Vince Carter’s No. 15 jersey retired by Toronto Raptors
Vince Carter’s Emotional Jersey Retirement Ceremony
Vince Carter’s jersey retirement ceremony at Scotiabank Arena was a poignant moment for both the former Toronto Raptors star and the fans who once had a complicated relationship with him. All 19,800 fans in attendance stood for the entire 20-minute ceremony during the intermission of the Raptors’ game against the Sacramento Kings.
Carter, addressing the crowd, expressed his gratitude and hope for embracing his legacy with the team. “When that jersey goes up shortly, it’s not just Carter 15 going up, it’s all of us going up,” he said, eliciting loud cheers from the crowd. “The memories that had been created for six years, however you view it, go up tonight. So I hope and pray we enjoy our jersey being retired forever.”
Surrounded by family and former teammates, including Tracy McGrady, Carter was visibly moved by the outpouring of support. A video tribute featuring various personalities congratulating Carter played at the start of the ceremony, highlighting his impact on the Raptors and the basketball community.
Raptors team president Masai Ujiri’s stirring introduction captured the essence of Carter’s influence. “He is a legend. He’s an icon. He’s half-man, he’s half-amazing,” Ujiri proclaimed. “He is the Vince Carter effect, right? Yes. He builds our community. He helped us put Toronto on the map. He taught us how to fly, and those who don’t know how to fly, he taught us how to dream how to fly.”
Carter, in his speech, expressed gratitude towards the organization, fans, and teammates. Reflecting on his tumultuous departure from the team in 2004, he acknowledged the healing journey that led to this moment. “It’s just appreciation for where we were, where we were getting to, and where we are now,” Carter shared. “Now you wrap that up with a bow, you know what I’m saying? Nothing else needs to be said if you can’t really understand that.”
The 47-year-old Carter, who retired from professional basketball in 2020 and was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, recognized the evolution of his relationship with Raptors fans. He attributed their initial love for his passion for the game and the subsequent backlash to his departure. “I just wanted to play. I just loved to hoop. I was that guy always walking around with a little bop, because I had music in my mind, wanting to fly around the arenas and dunk on people,” Carter explained.
As the purple banner with his number 15 was raised to the rafters, Carter’s legacy was solidified in Raptors history. The once complicated relationship had transformed into a moment of unity and appreciation, marking a new chapter for Carter and the team.
This article is a rewritten version of a report by The Canadian Press, originally published on Nov. 2, 2024.
