Vince Carter has received a commendable honor as the Brooklyn Nets retire his number 15 jersey, recognizing his impactful 22-season career in the NBA. Serving as both a celebrated superstar and an adaptable role player, Carter left a lasting legacy, especially during his five seasons with the Nets. His journey from a revered figure in Toronto to a Nets legend exemplifies his growth and resilience in the league. The retirement ceremony saw him share the moment with fellow legends Buck Williams and Julius Erving, reflecting on his achievement and the franchise's heritage.
When Vince Carter first joined the New Jersey Nets, he used to stare up at one particular banner hanging from the arena ceiling. Buck Williams held the franchise scoring record at the time, and his number 52 was watching over Carter and the Nets.
Carter's legacy developed a distinct patina over a record 22 seasons, one of the few players whose career can be broken up into decades. He was admired and reviled at times for various reasons, going from hero to villain, then back to hero again, in Toronto.
He had to be rooted in a franchise's success, to have a home where the fans looked at him as an icon rather than someone who passed through.
Everything Carter did was under the legacy of legends before him. Carter would be sitting on the bench, glance up at the numbers for Williams and Julius Erving, and say, Man, I'd love to see my jersey up there.
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