Vince Carter Grateful for This 6ft 7 NBA Legend, Reveals Advantages of Nets’ Jersey Retirement Honor

What a special year this is turning out to be for former NBA veteran Vince Carter. Air Canada, Half Man Half Amazing, Vinsanity, and along these lines, Carter was announced as a Hall of Famer just a few weeks back. Now after this huge honor, the Brooklyn Nets have decided to retire No. 15 as an ode to his four successful seasons with the organization. All players take pride in getting their jerseys retired. However, Carter has more than one reason to celebrate this victory, and that involves two NBA legends. 

The Nets officially announced today that Carter’s No. 15 jersey will go up the rafters. The 47-year-old was informed about this a week ago, but he was asked to share a few words about this achievement after it was officially announced today. Carter shared, “Definitely appreciative of the gesture… you talk about forever in the professional game. Dr. J is one of my heroes. So I get to go up there. I think about J-Kidd (Jason Kidd), I’ve got a chance to play with.” 

Jason Kidd, who played 6.5 seasons with the New Jersey Nets, got his jersey retired way back in 2013. Julius Erving, aka Dr. J, got his jersey No.32 retired in 1987 before his last game for the organization. Now Carter’s jersey will be beside Erving and Kidd, which is another reason for him to smile about. Carter added, “If you look at the top 5 all-time assists leaders, I got to play with three of them. Mark Jackson, I played with J-Kidd, and  I also played with Steve Nash. So to go up there with J-Kidd is pretty special“

Notably, Kidd announced Carter’s jersey retirement. The Dallas Mavericks head coach had a wholesome message for his former teammate. 

What did Jason Kidd say about his time with Vince Carter for the New Jersey Nets?

Carter and Kidd were one of the best backcourt duos when they played for the Nets together. From 2004-07, the above two made it to three playoffs back-to-back. So Carter’s time with Kidd was special for the NBA and its fans. The Nets recorded a small video for Carter in which Kidd had a few wholesome words for his former teammate. 

The 2011 champion said, “Congratulations on having your number retired next to my number five. You made the game so easy, maybe too easy. But congratulations on having an incredible career.” He sarcastically added, “I think you played 40 years, somewhere around there. Well deserved, understanding you were one of my best teammates in New Jersey.” 

Playing four and a half years with the Nets, Carter averaged 23.6 points to set single-season record for the franchise with 2070 points in 2006-2007 and ended his time with the there, recording his fifth triple-double before being traded to Magic a couple months later. With that, the 8-time NBA All-Star will join four others alongside Jason Kidd and Julius Erving when the Nets retire his jersey next year.