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WATCH: Vince Carter and his mother Michelle gets emotional during jersey retirement ceremony

Basketball: Saturday night, the Toronto Raptors retired the first player jersey in team history, which had to be Vince Carter's. Carter's day began with a big painting honoring him in Toronto.

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Varun Sarwate
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Vince Carter (Source: X)

Saturday night, the Toronto Raptors retired the first player jersey in team history, which had to be Vince Carter's. Carter's day began with a big painting honoring him in Toronto. The Raptors paid tribute to Vince Carter by lifting his No. 15 to the rafters of Scotiabank Arena at halftime of their game against DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings.

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Vince Carter was greeted with a rapturous ovation as he stepped out onto the court to begin the ceremony. Carter's emotions suddenly took over, as he began to scream and shout as he enjoyed a moment with Toronto Raptors supporters. Then other speakers addressed the platform, with Carter speaking last and stating that his jersey would not have been raised without the assistance of many of his teammates.

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Vince Carter then approached the platform and delivered an emotional address, reflecting on his time in Toronto and thanking the people who helped him get to this point. Carter's departure from the Raptors in 2004, when he was traded to the Nets, saddened many Toronto fans, who expressed their views to him whenever he returned to Toronto with other teams. However, Carter especially mentioned a time in 2014 when supporters welcomed him back with a standing ovation as part of the team's 20th anniversary festivities. He stated it was "a day I'll never forget." 

My heart was full of joy - Vince Carter

"My heart was full of joy to finally have that moment with you all," he said. "It was something I always wanted and a feeling I wanted us all to have and got us to where we are today... I am honored we get to share this moment finally." Carter thanked MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum, former Raptors coach Sam Mitchell, and Canadian rapper Drake. He then ended his speech with one final message.

Watch here the video:

Carter, flanked by his family, presented the first jersey banner in team history. Fittingly, the No. 15 was in the classic typeface from his jersey from the 2000 dunk contest, with a photograph of him from his winning performance in front of it.

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