As the Toronto Raptors mark their 30th NBA season, they’re making sure Vince Carter’s legacy is immortalized in the Scotiabank Arena rafters, as his No. 15 jersey is set to be retired by the franchise. The announcement came from Raptors president Masai Ujiri during a Carter-themed event. For many fans, it’s a long-overdue tribute to the player who transformed the Raptors from a fledgling expansion team into a must-watch franchise. But Carter’s journey with Toronto wasn’t always smooth.

Back in 2004, things ended on a sour note. Carter requested a trade and joined the New Jersey Nets, where he continued to thrive. Some fans speculated that this rocky exit was why the Raptors took so long to honor him. Interestingly, the Nets will also be retiring his jersey in the 2024-25 season. Toronto’s ceremony will take place on November 2, a night that will see another Raptors icon, DeMar DeRozan, in town with the Sacramento Kings. It’s a perfect setup for Toronto fans to celebrate multiple franchise legends under one roof.

The Birth of Air Canada

Drafted by the team in 1998, the young guard quickly became Toronto’s first true superstar. He won Rookie of the Year honors, becoming only the second player in franchise history to do so. Carter also earned the Raptors their first All-Star and All-NBA recognition. His electrifying play style and high-flying dunks didn’t just make him a household name; they gave the Raptors a much-needed identity and respect in the league.

By his second year, Carter’s performance in the Slam Dunk Contest was nothing short of legendary, forever cementing his status as “Half-Man, Half-Amazing.” That same year, he led the Raptors to their first-ever playoff appearance, and just a year later, to their first postseason series win in 2001. His dominance and flair made Toronto games a spectacle, drawing in fans from all over.

Yet, as much as Carter gave to Toronto, his exit left a bitter taste. His departure in 2004 marked the beginning of a tough period for the Raptors. But time heals all wounds. Over the past decade, Carter has been warmly welcomed back to Toronto, and the franchise’s decision to retire his jersey now, with legends like DeRozan and Lowry still active, feels like the perfect way to honor his place in Raptors history.

Carter’s Raptors stats and accolades

Vince Carter’s time with the Toronto Raptors may have lasted only six and a half seasons, but he made an indelible mark on the franchise. Despite not cracking the top 10 in games played, he still ranks among the top 10 in almost every major statistical category for the Raptors.

He averaged 23.4 points per game over 403 games, which still stands as the highest career scoring average in Raptors history. His contributions didn’t stop there. He also averaged 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, proving himself to be more than just a scorer. Carter’s significance goes beyond stats, though; he also scored the first-ever basket at what’s now known as the Scotiabank Arena, forever etching his name into the team’s history books.

His accolades with the Raptors further underline his influence. Carter took home the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1999 and dazzled fans with his incredible performance to win the Slam Dunk Contest in 2000. He was also a pivotal part of the USA Basketball team that clinched the Gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Beyond that, he was also named to the All-NBA team twice (2000, 2001) and made five consecutive All-Star appearances from 2000 to 2004.

Carter’s overall stats during his Raptors tenure reflect his all-around game. He racked up 9,420 points, ranking fourth in franchise history. He also pulled down 2,091 rebounds (9th) and dished out 1,553 assists (8th). Defensively, he recorded 534 steals (6th) and 415 blocks (4th), showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

Vince Carter discusses Raptors’ career

Vince Carter still reflects on how his time with the Toronto Raptors came to an end. Once adored as the face of the franchise, he quickly became a villain in the eyes of many Toronto fans after his trade to the New Jersey Nets. During a podcast with Taylor Rooks earlier this year, Carter joked about the relentless “boos” he faced every time he returned to the city post-trade. “It was relentless and loud,” he recalled.

But, according to Carter, he handled the situation as best he could. “I just feel like I handled everything the correct way,” he said. He explained that he communicated openly with the Raptors organization and made decisions he felt were in everyone’s best interest. “I had conversations with people, and I made a decision that we’re seeing now to the 20th power.”

Carter tells the Raptors were ready to turn the page and build around a new star, Chris Bosh. He discussed this with team officials and was willing to step aside if the franchise wanted to move in a different direction. “One thing I wasn’t going to be is a locker room problem, and I think that’s what they were looking for,” Carter shared with Rooks. “That’s not my style. I just wanted to play ball, that’s it.” His goal was to continue playing the game he loved, even if it meant doing so outside of Toronto.

“There are so many things behind the scenes that now, it is what it is,” Carter added, reflecting on the fallout. He believes certain narratives painted him in a negative light, but he’s at peace with how things unfolded. “It was perceived to make me look like this and that, and I just go back to my same question.” For Carter, the past is the past, and he’s moved on—embracing both the highs and lows of his Raptors legacy.