The Toronto Raptors are approaching its 30th anniversary season.
In the storied 30 years of the franchise, who is the most iconic Raptors player of all time?
Jamal Shead, Gradey Dick, Ja’Kobe Walter and Ochai Agbaji all answered Vince Carter in a video posted on the Raptors Instagram account:
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Carter put the Raptors on the map. He was Toronto’s first superstar and he was a household name in the early 2000’s. During his time in Toronto which lasted for the better part of seven seasons, Carter attracted fans from all over Canada and beyond.
He raised the profile of the Raptors thanks to his high level of play and iconic dunks. He got league-wide attention after his legendary 2000 dunk contest. Without Carter, who knows where Raptors basketball would be today.
Carter’s impact is simply undeniable. Team president Masai Ujiri talked about his legacy via a press release:
“The Carter effect is real. It was Vince who inspired kids across Toronto and Canada, who got a basketball into their hands and inspired them to take flight, as he did so many times in our jersey.”
Carter’s tenure with the Raptors ended in controversial fashion, which led to Toronto trading him to the New Jersey Nets in 2004. To make matters worse, it was arguably the worst trade in franchise history.
However, time heals all. Despite how things ended, Carter will always be synonymous with the Raptors. Now more than ever.
Ja’Kobe Walter injured during informal workouts
Ja’Kobe Walter will miss the start of training camp.
Walter sprained his acromioclavicular joint during informal workouts this week and he will not participate in on-court activities during the start of training camp which begins on Oct. 1, according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
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