Carter speaks about the legacy ahead of the jersey’s retirement

Vince Carter spoke about family, legacy, anger and ultimately love during an emotional press conference before his jersey was retired by the Toronto Raptors.

Carter becomes the first player in Raptors history to be so honored.

His iconic number 15 will be hung from the rafters of Scotiabank Arena tonight in a 20-minute ceremony during halftime of Toronto’s game with the Sacramento Kings.

Carter played the first five years of his NBA career with the Raptors before an acrimonious relationship with team management and fans led to him being traded midseason to the then-New Jersey Nets.

He admitted at the press conference that for a long time he never thought he would be welcomed back by Toronto basketball fans.

Carter retired from professional basketball in 2020 after 22 years in the NBA and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on October 13.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 2, 2024.