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Vince Carter to have No. 15 Jersey Retired by Brooklyn Nets
A remarkable honor awaits Vince Carter next season as the Brooklyn Nets have announced their decision to retire his No. 15 jersey. This monumental occasion adds to a series of accolades for Carter, who is set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in October.
The announcement was made by the team via social media on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in the history of the franchise. Carter, whose illustrious career spanned 22 years in the NBA, notably played for the Nets as his second team following a trade from the Toronto Raptors in 2004.
Although Carter’s departure from the Raptors was met with a mixed reception from fans, animosities faded with time, leading to warm receptions during his subsequent visits to Toronto. Despite his impact on the team, the Raptors have yet to retire his number, making the Nets’ gesture all the more meaningful.
The team’s social media announcement featured a video showcasing one of Carter’s memorable buzzer-beating shots against the Raptors in 2006. Additionally, the video includes a preview of the No. 15 banner that will hang alongside Jason Kidd’s retired No. 5, accompanied by a congratulatory message from Kidd.
Expressing his appreciation for the honor, Carter remarked in the video, “It’s forever up there, it’s ‘Nets 15 Carter.’ Can’t use it again. Doesn’t get any better than that.” This sentiment encapsulates the profound impact Carter had on the franchise and highlights the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
As the fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, Carter quickly rose to stardom, earning the nickname “Air Canada” for his awe-inspiring dunks during his time with the Raptors. His tenure with the team marked a period of success, culminating in their first playoff appearance in 2000 and the first series win in franchise history the following year.
Throughout his career, Carter also suited up for several other NBA teams, including the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks. His final game took place on March 11, 2020, prior to the NBA’s season suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, after which he announced his retirement at the age of 43.
With the retirement of his No. 15 jersey by the Nets, Carter joins an elite group of players whose numbers have been honored by the franchise, solidifying his place in NBA history.
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