Vince Carter’s No. 15 Jersey to Be Retired by the Toronto Raptors on November 2
In a historic first for the Toronto Raptors, the franchise will retire Vince Carter’s legendary No. 15 jersey on November 2. The momentous ceremony is set to take place when the Raptors host the Sacramento Kings, coinciding with the team’s 30th-anniversary celebrations.
This jersey retirement marks the first in the Raptors' history and represents a significant nod to Carter’s transformative impact on the franchise since being drafted fifth overall in 1998. Initially selected by the Golden State Warriors, Carter was traded to the Raptors on draft night, a move that would shape the future of the Toronto-based team.
Known as "Air Canada," Carter quickly became a household name, earning Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season and leading the Raptors to their first playoff appearance the following year. A six-time All-Star during his tenure with the Raptors, Carter’s high-flying dunks and remarkable athleticism won the hearts of fans and elevated the profile of the franchise.
Perhaps no moment encapsulated Carter’s unique talent more than the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, where he executed an unforgettable 360-degree dunk between the legs, an iconic highlight that still resonates across the league.
While Carter led the Raptors to the playoffs on three occasions, their most significant run came when they advanced to the second round once. However, his relationship with the team saw a turbulent chapter when he requested a trade and was subsequently dealt to the New Jersey Nets. The trade package included Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft picks. Notably, Mourning refused to report to the Raptors and was released soon after.
Despite the manner of his departure, the bond between Carter and Toronto fans endures. This was evident in 2014, during the Raptors' 20th-anniversary celebrations, when fans in Toronto warmly cheered for Carter, highlighting the lasting impression he made on the city.
This decision to honor Carter has not been without some internal debate. Some influential figures within the Raptors' organization believed that Kyle Lowry, another pivotal figure in the franchise's history, should have his jersey retired first. However, the decision to retire Carter’s jersey ahead of the Brooklyn Nets’ planned ceremony on January 25 underscores the Raptors' desire to assert precedence and celebrate their storied relationship with "Air Canada."
Carter's seven-season tenure with the Raptors remains the longest he spent with any team during his renowned NBA career, which lasted until 2020. By the time he hung up his sneakers, Carter had cemented himself as one of the game's enduring figures, contributing significantly to every team he played for.
Next month, Carter will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greats. It’s only fitting that as part of the celebrations, Carter will see his jersey retired by two different franchises in a single season—a testament to his profound impact on the NBA.
As the Raptors prepare for this historic event, fans and players alike will celebrate the enduring legacy of Vince Carter and his unforgettable contributions to the team. November 2 promises to be a night filled with nostalgia, pride, and a heartfelt tribute to a player who irrevocably transformed the Raptors and left an indelible mark on the game of basketball.