PHOTOS: Toronto Raptors unveil Vince Carter's mural ahead of 8x NBA All-Star's jersey retirement
The Toronto Raptors are set to retire NBA legend Vince Carter's jersey on Saturday. Ahead of Carter's jersey retirement on Saturday, the Raptors unveiled a mural of "Air Canada" outside the Scotiabank Arena.
In a series of pictures posted by the Raptors on their social media, Carter's larger-than-life painting was displayed outside the arena. In the first picture, Carter is shown with his hands wide open in front of the mural, which depicts him dunking in his Raptors jersey.
In another photo, the former Raptors star is seen signing his name at the bottom of the mural. He was also pictured with artist Paul Glyn-Williams, who was behind the creation of the mural of the Hall of Fame player.
"For Vince. For the fans. For the country. π," the caption of the post read.
Carter was also present with his mother, wife and his children when the mural was unveiled. Vince Carter will become the first-ever player to have his jersey retired by the Raptors team.
He will also become the first-ever player to have his mural outside the Ratptors' arena. Moreover, the Brooklyn Nets will also retire Vince Carter's jersey.
Vince Carter gives his hilarious take on wild Nikola Jokic move to the Raptors
Vince Carter played seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors before requesting a trade, playing a crucial role in putting the franchise on the NBA map. While he may not have led them to a championship victory, he certainly made them famous.
With his #15 jersey being retired, that number will officially be unavailable for other players to wear, even if it is Nikola Jokic. Carter was at the "Run It Back" show and jokingly suggested that if Toronto trades for Jokic, he should wear 51 since he can't wear 15.
However, the 8-time All-Star player said that he might consider giving up his number for his son if he one day plays for the Raptors.
βHe (Nikola Jokic) better wear 51,β Carter, whose number will be retired by Toronto and the Brooklyn Nets this season, responded to Michelle Beadle.
"I will say this, though. It's funny, I was asked that question ... I said, there's only one person who will probably get that opportunity to wear it, and that's the little man (Carter's son). If he gets that chance to make it in the NBA and crazy enough to play for the Raptors, I will definitely give him the go-ahead," he added.
During his seven seasons in Toronto, Carter averaged 23.4 points, shooting 44.6% from the field and 38.3% from the 3-point line. Out of 7 seasons, he was selected as an All-Star five times and won the Rookie of the Year Award in the 1998-99 season.