NBA Champions Toronto Raptors retired the No.15 in honor of Vince Carter, during an emotional ceremony at the Scotiabank Arena, on Saturday.
Vince Carter played 6 years for the Raptors franchise and quickly established a cult following.
The banner for Vince Carter, a former player of the Toronto Raptors, is raised to the rafters at half time of their game against Sacramento Kings at the Scotiabank Arena. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Raptors’ President, Masai Ujiri said, “He is a legend. He’s an icon. He’s half-man, half-amazing.” Ujiri stated. “Carter was pivotal in putting Toronto on the map and taught us not just to fly but to dream of flight.”
In his speech, man of the hour honored the 19,800 fans present inside the arena.
“When that jersey goes up, it’s not just Carter 15 going up, it’s all of us going up,” Carter proclaimed to thunderous applause. “The memories that we created over those six years, no matter how you perceive them, are encapsulated in this moment. So I hope we all relish in the permanence of this jersey being retired forever.”
The ceremony was held during Raptors’ game against Sacramento Kings, and the 2019 champions capped he night with a 131-128 victory.
