Vince Cater’s No. 15 Toronto Raptors jersey will hang from the rafter of Scotiabank Arena on Nov. 2.
The Raptors made the announcement official on Sept. 27 at the unveiling of Carter’s refurbished court in Dixon Park.
Most fans would agree that Carter deserves to have his jersey retired first by the Raptors, however there are some who feel it shouldn’t have been him.
Carter delivered a message to the fans who are not in favor of his jersey retirement, via Zulfi Sheihk of Sportsnet:
“For those that appreciate it, or don’t appreciate it, don’t agree with it… enjoy it. This is an opportunity that we’ve never gotten to see before…At some point it’s time to bring people together. Let’s come together for a change, it’s a great opportunity. This is something that has never happened before. So let’s celebrate it more so than throw your nose up at it… and I’m just truly thankful to be a part of this.”
Ujiri urged that fans should be forgiving and that the 47-year-old has changed as a person over the years, per Sheihk:
“That’s life, and that’s the way life should be, when we know better we do better. He was young, and some of the things he did, we recognize that. But he’s changed as a person and you can really see it. I think he’s apologetic for that but he’s grown over time … and I appreciate the player and the person.”
Raptors player Kelly Olynyk who grew up watching and idolizing Carter did admit that his departure from Toronto left a “sour taste,” according to Sheihk.
However, Olynyk stated that it’s time to move on and acknowledge Carter’s impact, per Sheihk:
“(But) time heals everything, and sometimes you have to forget the bad and recognize and realize all the good that he did for this country and this franchise It was just so much electricity, excitement and passion. It was really just kind of the first time as a basketball fan (in Toronto), you had something to watch, admire and aspire to be.”
Carter was an eight-time all-star and spent the better part of seven seasons with the Raptors. He will enter the Basketball Hall of Fame next month.
Raptors players reveal most iconic player in franchise history
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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