For years in New Jersey, Nets fans watched #15 hang on the rim, throwing down emphatic dunks and catching lobs from fellow Hall of Famer Jason Kidd.
For the rest of Nets history, fans will see #15 hanging from the rafters at the Barclays Center, alongside Kidd’s #5 and other legendary numbers from the team’s nearly 60-year history.
Jason Kidd’s #5, Drazen Petrovic’s #3, John Williamson’s #23, Bill Melchionni’s #25, Julius Erving’s #32, Buck Williams’ #52… and now Vince Carter’s #15
Carter’s trade to the Nets in 2004 was one that transformed the franchise. Paired with Kidd’s brilliant court vision and young star Richard Jefferson’s explosiveness, Carter elevated the Nets into must-watch basketball just a few years removed from their back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals.
Even for a hefty return package including Alonso Mourning and multiple first round picks, the fact that the high-flying superstar had landed in Jersey was shocking to fans both local and around the country.
In his five seasons in NJ Carter averaged 23.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, his best for any team in his storied 22-year career. Carter was a true swiss army knife equipped with devastating hops and a lethal distance shot. Once familiarized with Kidd’s trust, he was catching any ball the star point guard threw near the rim.
It wasn’t just his skill that made Carter such a special Net, and in his opening remarks at the retirement ceremony, broadcaster Ian Eagle was sure to note how much love was in the building.
In attendance were fellow Nets retirees Julius Erving, head coach Lawrence Frank, and executives like Bobby Marks and Rod Thorn. Some teammates like Nedad Kristic and Jason Collins also gave video speeches, as well as other NY legends like Mets captain David Wright.
On the court, the Nets were unable to match the tenacity of the Miami Heat despite a solid battle through three quarters. They fell 106-97, as they continued to close in on favorable positioning for the NBA Draft lottery. The tank continued with a 110-96 loss to Sacramento to cap the homestand.
Brooklyn will open up a pair of games with the Houston Rockets, playing them in Texas on Saturday before returning to the Barclays Center on Tuesday.
