“Never seen anything like Vince Carter.” Richard Jefferson could not have been any clearer on the amount of respect and love he had for his former teammate from the Brooklyn Nets. So you’d expect him and another key piece from the team during VC’s time, Jason Kidd, to be there when the 8x All-Star got the Nets’ highest honor. It seems, however, that destiny had other plans.

However, despite being unable to attend Vince Carter’s jersey retirement ceremony during the Nets’ Saturday game against the Miami Heat, Jefferson and Kidd still expressed their feelings on the development through a video message.

“Hey, Vince. Sorry, I can’t be there tonight to celebrate with you and your family, but I understand this is your night. What an incredible journey. Incredible teammate in person,” Kidd said. He further emphasized the greatness of Vinsanity, stating how he made the game easy and exciting. And not just the dunks but his long 3s.

“And I can’t forget the passes… I know I threw them too high, but you made me look good… I can’t wait to see number 15 up there next to number 32, Dr. J. And number five, myself. Well deserved…” Kidd said. As most fans would know, New Jersey acquired Carter from Toronto in December 2004. He averaged 27.5 points per game in his first year with the team.

Carter finished his Nets tenure with three All-Star appearances, averaging 23.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. A legacy to be remembered and respected. No wonder Richard Jefferson expressed a sense of pride in being Vince Carter’s teammate.

“I just want to tell you how much being next to you as a player meant to me as a mentor. I remember sitting in college, watching you win the dunk contest and you being my favorite dunker of all time,” Jeff said. He then recalled the popular Nike commercial that featured him and VC. “Vince, you are a legend. This is well deserved. Congratulations on the hall of Fame. And congratulations on having your jersey up in the rafters.”

Carter’s jersey retirement ceremony had ex-coach Lawrence Frank, team president Rod Thorn, and fellow Nets number retirees Julius Erving, Bill Melchionni, and Buck Williams in attendance to witness VC as the 7th player in franchise history to have his jersey retired.

Vince Carter on what Nets jersey retirement means to him

As mentioned previously, Carter is joining legends like Bill Melchionni, Julius Erving, John Williamson, Buck Williams, Drazen Petrovic, and Jason Kidd with his No. 15 taking its place in the Barclays Center rafters. In a moment of nostalgia, Carter shared a conversation with Buck Williams, and the memories came flooding back.

“Talking with Buck Williams a couple of days ago… I didn’t fanboy, but that just took me back to a memory,” Carter said. Imagine what it must feel like to remember your first days with a new team, only to dream of your jersey hanging alongside legends. For Carter, it was more than a passing thought. “I remember obviously looking up there… I’m pretty sure I said, ‘Man, I’d love to see my jersey up there.'”

And then there’s Julius Erving, Carter’s idol. Someone to whom VC requested to introduce him during his Hall-of-Fame enshrinement. What must it feel like to have your jersey alongside a figure like that? “Everything,” Carter said. “That meant so much. I’m so darn emotional these days, it pisses me off.”

It’s clear that Vince Carter’s jersey rise isn’t just about a number; it’s about celebrating a legacy. A perfect tribute to a player who gave so much to the game.