It’s official: Toronto Raptors legend Vince Carter, aka “Air Canada,” has his iconic No. 15 jersey hanging in the rafters. And while the fans were busy wiping away their nostalgic tears, DeMar DeRozan of the Sacramento Kings swooped in with an embrace that nearly stole the show. Now that’s a hug fit for a king – literally.
Carter, whose high-flying dunks made half the world believe he was actually part jet engine, was honored by the Raptors during halftime of Saturday’s matchup against DeRozan’s Kings. It was a long-overdue moment for Carter, who practically put Toronto on the basketball map in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Let’s be real – before Vince, the only thing most Americans associated with Canada was syrup and cold weather.
DeRozan, who just so happens to share the same 6’6″ frame and freakish athletic ability as Carter, wasn’t going to let the ceremony pass without paying his respects. The two Raptors icons met at center court, shared a heartfelt hug, and probably had a secret conversation about how nobody ever jumps like they used to anymore. DeRozan has never been shy about his admiration for Carter, calling him one of his biggest basketball inspirations. He wasn’t alone – the whole of Scotiabank Arena seemed to feel the same way.
But before we get all weepy about the “good ol’ days,” Carter reminded us that this wasn’t just about him. “It’s not just Carter 15 going up,” he said. “It’s all of us going up.” Sure, Vince, but let’s be honest – it’s mainly about you going up. And those of us who still remember his legendary 2000 dunk contest win can attest that no one went up like Vince.
The ceremony was filled with a who’s who of NBA history, a veritable Raptors reunion. Steph Curry, Kyle Lowry, and a bunch of Raptors alumni – including the likes of Charles Oakley and Tracy McGrady – sent their props via video or made personal appearances. It was like an episode of “This Is Your Life,” but with more sweat and sneakers.
Vince Carter: Canada’s First Basketball Superhero
For those too young to remember the Vince Carter era, this man wasn’t just dunking; he was defying physics. He could soar from the free-throw line, hit clutch shots, and leave defenders staring at their shoes. In his six years with the Raptors, Carter wasn’t just an All-Star (eight times, thank you very much) or Rookie of the Year – he was the guy who made basketball relevant north of the border. Even Toronto Maple Leafs fans were secretly catching his highlight reels.
But it wasn’t just about the flash. Carter’s 23.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in his Raptors days made him a bona fide franchise player. And oh yeah, he also found time to win Olympic gold with Team USA. No big deal.
DeRozan: A Fanboy at Heart
For DeRozan, growing up in California and watching Carter fly through the air on those early Saturday morning games was pure magic. “He meant everything. That was one of my favorite players growing up,” DeRozan gushed after the ceremony. “He was electric.” Translation: DeRozan probably had a Carter poster on his wall and tried to copy his dunks in his driveway – and who could blame him?
Both DeRozan and Carter were drafted by the Raptors, and though they never played on the same team, their legacies are now forever linked. Raptors fans have had the privilege of witnessing two of the greatest shooting guards of their respective generations, and this hug on Saturday might as well have been a passing of the torch – or, you know, a basketball.
Raptors Legends: From Air Canada to the Compton Kid
While DeRozan may no longer be in Toronto, having spent nine seasons and 675 regular-season games with the Raptors, his love for the franchise and Carter’s influence is undeniable. Both players have etched their names into Raptors history, with Vince being the original high-flying act and DeRozan the loyal soldier who gave everything for the team.
Now, Raptors fans can look up into the rafters and see Vince Carter’s No. 15, forever immortalized – and if we’re being honest, it’s about time. Canada’s greatest basketball superhero deserves it, and DeRozan was there to make sure everyone knew just how much it meant.
As for the rest of the ceremony? Sure, there were touching moments and heartfelt speeches, but let’s not forget the most important part: Vince Carter’s dunks are still cooler than anything anyone in the league is doing right now.
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