Vince Carter's Raptors jersey comments draw mixed reaction: 'He's a traitor' to calls to 'retire' his number
Some Raptors fans can't loosen their grip on the past while others want to take the time to celebrate Carter's contributions to the franchise.
It's clear that Vince Carter still holds a special place in his heart for the Toronto Raptors.
The former NBA superstar was recently announced as a finalist for the 2024 class of the Basketball Hall of Fame. When asked on the NBA show "Run it Back" which jersey he would hypothetically wear into the Hall of Fame, he quickly answered: "Toronto, Toronto, Toronto. It has to be, it's where it all started."
Unlike the Baseball Hall of Fame, players don't get to choose a team to represent going into the Basketball Hall of Fame. But it is a cool "what if?" question — one that's generated quite a bit of buzz from NBA Twitter, most notably Raptors fans.
It's taken a while...but I think we're getting to the point where the thought of number 15 being raised to the rafters inside Scotiabank Arena is a real possibility. Not right away...but it will happen. https://t.co/eKqdHotsER
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) February 21, 2024
Looking back, Carter credits Toronto as the place where he gained his confidence and came to understand the trajectory of his career.
Along with winning the 1998-99 Rookie of the Year award, he's gone on to earn five all-star appearances in his first six seasons with the Raptors. That stretch also includes his infamous Slam Dunk competition performance in 2000.
Carter's association with the franchise comes with some baggage. Many claim he forced his way out of Toronto, resulting in a trade in the 2004-05 season to the New Jersey Nets, as he continued riding the peak of his career.
Nearly 20 years later, Carter's recent comments are spurring quite the reaction.
Many have come to applaud the comments as they reminisce on old times. Some continue to campaign for his No. 15 to be retired in the 6ix — which would mark a first for the Raptors as they enter their 30th NBA season in 2024-25.
Others, however, want nothing to do with Carter, even if he did help place Toronto on the basketball map.
What fans are saying
Vince Carter’s jersey shouldn’t be retired because there are handfuls of Raptors players who accomplished more than he did + also didn’t burn a bridge while leaving. https://t.co/S7x6EhlF9N
— Chase Ruttig (@ChaseRuttig) February 21, 2024
Vince Carter says he’s choosing to rock a raptors jersey when he’s inducted into the hall of fame? How are y’all feeling about this one Toronto raptors fans
I say no cause he’s a traitor pic.twitter.com/x4FSfO5K6w— Erima (@yungfelakut1) February 21, 2024
I can finally admit I’m over the whole Vince Carter thing. 25 young as hell, kids make mistakes and management was absolutely 🗑️
— Sonic is a blerd 🇵🇸 (@PhilYaIn) February 21, 2024
Vince Carter put the Raptors on the map and is the reason why basketball is as big in Canada as it is today. Retire his jersey. Legend. https://t.co/DSafvaQPH6
— Luca Rosano (@lucarosano3) February 21, 2024
I had no doubt that Vince Carter will be repping Toronto heavy! Who can forget that iconic #15 Raptors purple jersey! 🙌🏽 https://t.co/YNseP6osuk pic.twitter.com/zru2Ha10r6
— Nelly J (@Nelley_J) February 21, 2024
Vince Carter really put the Raptors on the map in Toronto and indeed much of Canada. It’s no surprise that after a year or two in Toronto basketball nets started popping up all over driveways in the GTA. Now we’re seeing so many Canadians in the NBA and NCAA. Vince’s effect.
— Paul 🇨🇦🍺🏌🏼♀️🏒🇺🇦 (@Paulintoronto47) February 21, 2024
I have said for years the Raptors should retire Vince Carter’s jersey. He was a huge part in paving the way for the franchise. He’s more than deserving, regardless of how it ended. #WeTheNorth https://t.co/sQMnx6G6f3
— Brandon Cook (@brandon_cook95) February 21, 2024
