Death, taxes, and Vince Carter playing NBA basketball. The “old man” of the NBA, Carter, is nearing the end of his illustrious career. Naturally, questions about his jersey being retired by the numerous teams he has played for is the topic of conversation. Many NBA fans fondly remember Vince Carter rocking the old New Jersey Nets jersey after he was traded from Toronto. Carter said to the New York Post Wednesday that it would be a “dream come true” if the Nets retired his jersey.
“Of course,” Carter said of having his jersey retired by the Nets. “When you hear people talk about it, of course. For years to come, you walk in here and see your name in the rafters in an arena, a professional arena, that’s your dream come true for every player. It’s a goal for guys. It means you’ve had a phenomenal career for that team. I would never tell them no, I’ll tell you that.”
Vince Carter has played for several teams in his career, but the Nets and Raptors represent his best seasons. He said earlier this season that he hopes to not only play again for the Raptors but get his jersey retired by them too.
Carter’s exit from Toronto is much maligned by Raptors fans. People felt he forced himself out, leading to the trade to the Nets. Both arenas still have fans with old “Carter” jerseys.
“It’s always been nothing but love here and very warm,” Carter said following a loss to the Brooklyn Nets. “I can’t compare the two. It wasn’t the same at all. It’s always been great coming here to this building, a very warm welcome and still see the Nets jerseys. It’s always cool. I don’t care where I go, it’s always cool to come here and see the Nets jerseys, to go to Toronto and see the old Raptors’ jerseys. That’s what it’s all about, coming back to that arena and seeing that jersey.”
Vince Carter turns 41 next month and still fully intends to play next season. “I’m going to play another year, for sure. I have to. I feel good,” Carter said.
