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UNC Basketball Legend Getting Jersey Retired Twice in NBA

Former UNC basketball star Vince Carter has a packed slate ahead in receiving top recognition for his achievements.
Matt Giles|
UNC basketball forward Vince Carter
UNC basketball forward Vince Carter | RVR Photos-Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Last week, the Nets announced that Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey will go up in their rafters when Brooklyn hosts the Miami Heat on Jan. 25. Now, it turns out the high-flying UNC basketball great's number is getting retired somewhere else first.

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On Monday morning, TSN's Josh Lewenberg reported that the Toronto Raptors "are planning to retire Carter's No. 15 when they host the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 2." Lewenberg added that the 47-year-old's jersey retirement will mark the first such honor for any Raptor since the franchise's inception 30 years ago.

Fittingly, 26 years ago, it was Carter who recorded the first bucket in what is now Scotiabank Arena.

Carter is also set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October.

Following a decorated three-year UNC basketball career, Vince Carter came off the board No. 5 overall at the 1998 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound "Vinsanity" showman spent seven seasons in Toronto and five with the Nets before carving out 10 more years in the league as a beloved veteran journeyman.

Along the way, he became the 1998-99 NBA Rookie of the Year, the 2015-16 NBA Teammate of the Year, an eight-time NBA All-Star, and a two-time All-NBA selection. He averaged over 23 points per game across his brilliant stints with the Raptors and Nets.

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Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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