LATEST: Raptors Legend to Induct Top Star Into Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is preparing to introduce a fresh group of 13 individuals into its ranks, including the esteemed Vince Carter from the Toronto Raptors. Tracy McGrady, a former Raptors standout and Carter’s second cousin, will have the honor of inducting him.
The Hall of Fame’s objective is to commemorate and pay tribute to the most memorable moments and figures in basketball. Normally taking place in mid-August, the enshrinement ceremony has been rescheduled to October 12-13, 2024, due to the scheduling conflicts with the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Vince Carter’s Early Career
Following his 1995 Florida Mr. Basketball win, Carter enrolled at the University of North Carolina, contributing to the team’s two successive Final Four appearances. Despite their efforts, they fell short.
Selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 5th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, Carter was swiftly traded to the Raptors on draft night for his former Tar Heels teammate, Antawn Jamison.
Due to the NBA lockout, Carter didn’t commence his NBA career until January of the following year. Once he started, his offensive prowess became evident, leading to him being dubbed “Air Canada” by Raptors fans and clinching the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
In 2000, Carter’s scoring surged to 25.7 points per game, securing him an All-Star nod and a place on the NBA’s All-NBA Third Team.
During the 2001 All-Star Weekend, Carter delivered a memorable performance. He guided the Raptors to their inaugural playoff appearance in 2000, though they were swept by the New York Knicks. They made it to the playoffs again in 2001, defeating the Knicks in five games before facing the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Allen Iverson. The series extended to seven games, with both Iverson and Carter leading their respective teams. The decisive Game 7 ended with Carter’s missed shot, sealing the Raptors’ elimination.
A Legend Moves On, Again and Again
Following over six seasons with Toronto, Carter was traded midseason to the New Jersey Nets. Despite a remarkable statistical performance during his four-plus years with the Nets, peaking at 27.5 points per game in 2004-05, he never advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs.
Subsequent to his time with the Nets, Carter began shifting from a regular starter to a part-time starter and eventually a bench player. His journey saw him playing for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks.
The Dunk of Death
Though Carter showcased skills beyond just dunking, it was his aerial displays that left a lasting impression. His dunk during the 2000 Summer Olympics matchup with France stands out as particularly unforgettable, especially for Frederick Weis. Carter also played a pivotal role in securing a Gold Medal for the United States, leading the team in scoring with an average of 14.8 points per game.
2024 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees
Seimone Augustus, Player
Dick Barnett, Player
Chauncey Billups, Player
Vince Carter, Player
Doug Collins, Contributor – Coach/Broadcaster
Michael Cooper, Player
Walter Davis, Player
Harley Redin, Coach
Bo Ryan, Coach
Herb Simon, Contributor – Owner
Charles Smith, Coach
Michele Timms, Player
Jerry West, Contributor – Executive