Carter’s History with the Raptors: A Timeline
Vince Carter is undoubtedly one of the most iconic players in Toronto Raptors history. From his electrifying dunks to his clutch performances, Carter left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans. Let’s take a look back at his time with the Raptors through a timeline of key moments:
1998: Drafted by the Raptors
In the 1998 NBA Draft, the Raptors selected Vince Carter with the fifth overall pick. Carter quickly made a name for himself with his high-flying dunks and scoring ability, earning the nickname “Air Canada.”
2000: Slam Dunk Contest Champion
Carter solidified his status as one of the best dunkers in NBA history by winning the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in 2000. His performance, which included iconic dunks like the “elbow dunk” and the “360 windmill,” captivated fans around the world.
2001: Playoff Success
In the 2000-2001 season, Carter led the Raptors to their first-ever playoff series win, defeating the New York Knicks in the first round. Carter’s clutch performances and scoring prowess helped propel the team to new heights.
2004: Trade to the New Jersey Nets
After six and a half seasons with the Raptors, Carter was traded to the New Jersey Nets in December 2004. The trade marked the end of an era for both Carter and the Raptors, as he had become the face of the franchise during his time in Toronto.
2014: Return to Toronto
In 2014, Carter returned to Toronto as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. The Raptors organization and fans welcomed him back with open arms, showing their appreciation for all that he had done for the team.
2019: Retirement
After a 22-year NBA career, Vince Carter announced his retirement in June 2020. Throughout his career, Carter left an indelible mark on the game of basketball and will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Raptors jersey.
In conclusion, Vince Carter’s time with the Toronto Raptors was filled with memorable moments and accomplishments. From his high-flying dunks to his playoff heroics, Carter will always hold a special place in the hearts of Raptors fans. His impact on the franchise and the city of Toronto will never be forgotten.
