In the early 2000s Post-Jordan era of the NBA (a dark period for the NBA in retrospect) there were few more electrifying players or exciting synonymous images of period than Vince Carter in a Raptors jersey.
Vinsanity helped establish NBA basketball north of the U.S. border and averaged 23-5-4 in seven seasons as a Raptor, including five NBA All-Star appearances.
Carter’s split from the organization was ugly as he requested a trade from the team in 2004 and quickly became one of the most hated players in the league north of the border.
Carter is 40 now and likely in his final season with the Sacramento Kings, plenty of time has passed to heal the wounds between Carter, the organization and the fan base.
There have been rumors recently that the team would retire his No. 15 jersey (they should) and Carter commented on the matter to ESPN’s The Undefeated.
“Of course, I’d like for [the Raptors] to retire my jersey. You’d always like your jersey retired. That is where it’s started. There have been talks about it. People talk about it, and I’m very thankful for it. But for me, I try my best not to think about it because I am still of service in this league. At the end of the day, every player’s end result is to see their jersey hanging in the rafters somewhere. That is where it started. Hopefully I will get that opportunity.”
Make this happen Raptors, if for no other reason than to give us all an excuse to reminisce and watch hours of Vinsanity Raptors highlights (not that you need an excuse).
Time heals all wounds, heck, Kevin Durant will probably even be honored by the Oklahoma City Thunder someday.
