LeBron James shares heartfelt congratulations for Vince Carter upon Air Canada's Raptors jersey retirementÂ
Newly minted Basketball Hall-of-Famer Vince Carter had his jersey retired by the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Among those who congratulated him for the momentous event was LA Lakers superstar LeBron James.
'The King' took to X (formerly Twitter) to give his message to 'Air Canada' as he became the first Raptors player to have his jersey retired by the team.
James wrote in his post:
"CONGRATULATIONS VINSANITY!!!! @mrvincecarter15. DOPE!! IMMORTALIZED IN THE 6!!!"
Vince Carter was honored with his jersey retirement at halftime of the Raptors game against the Sacramento Kings at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. He was feted for the contribution he had during the early years of the team, where he was its first true NBA superstar.
He spent seven years in Toronto and averaged 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1 block in 403 games. While with the team, he became a five-time All-Star. But more importantly, with his athleticism and aerial exploits, he thrust the Raptors to NBA prominence while inspiring a generation of players up North.
Following his stay with the Raptors, he played in New Jersey, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis, Sacramento and Atlanta. He ended his 22-year career with averages of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1 steal in 1,541 games while becoming an eight-time All-Star.
Meanwhile, the Raptors added to the celebration of Carter's day with a 131-128 OT victory over the Kings.
Vince Carter shares jersey retirement with people who were with him in his journey
Vince Carter was proud to be honored by the Toronto Raptors with a jersey retirement on Saturday. It was something he not only celebrated for himself, but he also shared it with the people he was with and met along the way.
Vince Carter spoke about the significance of the jersey retirement, including how it was not all about him.
He said (via Sports Illustrated):
"I'm not experiencing this by my myself. I'm experiencing this with family, friends, strangers. I know it's my day, but you've heard me say it a couple of times, and I'm gonna keep saying it, you're gonna hear it again tonight: This is our day."
Carter added:
"It's our day however about this moment, what transpired, or even me. This our day, and that's about legacy."
Vince Carter is the Raptors' all-time points-per-game leader with 23.4 points and is fourth in total career points with 9,420.