This weekend was a special one for the Toronto Raptors organization and legend Vince Carter.
Carter was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame after 22 seasons in the NBA, the most in league history.
He won the Slam Dunk Contest in 2000 and he also led the Raptors to its first-ever playoff appearance that same year. He then led Toronto to its first-ever playoff series win in 2001.
During his induction speech, Carter took the time to share a touching story about fellow former Raptor Kyle Lowry, via NBA TV:
“Kyle Lowry not only are you one of my golfing buddies, but you made an unbelievable gesture to me when the Raptors won the championship. I’m walking off the court and Kyle is getting ready to do an interview, he stands up, walks over to me and says hey man come sit down do the interview with me. I humbly declined, but that just shows the kind of person he is and I’m truly thankful for that…being part of that Raptors history and organization he felt inclined to ask me and wanted me to be apart of that and I thank you Kyle for that.”
While Carter may not have won a championship during his tenure in Toronto, his impact on the franchise is undeniable. He helped put the Raptors on the map and helped grow the game of basketball in Canada.
Lowry is considered the greatest Raptors player ever. Therefore, for him to want to share the franchises’ first championship with Carter is special.
Carter averaged 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals in 403 games with the Raptors. He is now engraved into basketball history forever with the Hall of Fame induction, most importantly going in as a Raptor.
“Enjoy it”: Vince Carter has message for fans not in favor of jersey retirement
The festivities do not stop there for Vince Carter as his jersey retirement is happening on Nov. 2 at Scotiabank Arena.
However, there are some naysayers saying he does not deserve it. To that, Carter says, ‘enjoy it,’ as he knows what he has accomplished.
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