The Toronto Raptors are planning to retire Vince Carter’s jersey next month, sources tell TSN.
Carter’s number 15 will be hung from the rafters at Scotiabank Arena on Nov. 2 when the Raptors play the Sacramento Kings, TSN Josh Lewenberg reports. He is the first player in the franchise’s 30-year history to have his number retired.
The retired 47-year-old swingman played for eight teams across a record 22 seasons but started his career in Toronto in 1998.
November’s honour will be preceded by his official induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in October. In January, the Brooklyn Nets (formerly New Jersey nets) will retire his jersey as well.
The “Half Man, Half Amazing” hooper won rookie of the year in 1999 and went on to win the 2000 dunk contest in iconic fashion while sporting the Raptors’ purple.
Largely credited with putting Canadian basketball on the map, the Daytona Beach, Fla. native led the Raptors to their first post-season playoff appearance in 2000 and first playoff series win in 2001.
Decision to retire Carter’s jersey ‘wasn’t easy’: Lewenberg
Speaking with CP24, Lewenberg said the decision to retire Carter’s jersey in Toronto “wasn’t easy,” given the complicated history between the eight-time All-Star and the franchise during his six-and-half years with the team.
“The latter half of his tenure was mired by injuries, controversy, a trade request, and then ultimately that ill-fated deal that sent him to New Jersey. And let's face it, I mean, people took a long time to get over it,” Lewenberg explained.
According to Lewenberg’s sources, there were “high-ranking” individuals within the organization who were pushing for Kyle Lowry’s jersey to be retired first.
“But of course, Lowery isn't done playing, and if you're going to honour Carter, and that really seemed inevitable, this is maybe the perfect time to do it in that his Hall of Fame induction coincides with the [Raptors] 30th anniversary season, a rebuilding season in which there might not be a whole lot else to get excited about,” he said.
The Raptors have not publicly addressed the reports at time of writing.