Vince Carter Returning Would Be A Dream Come True

Recently Vince Carter stated that he would like to play another two years to compete 20 seasons in the NBA. After 12 years away, should the Toronto Raptors bring him back at some point before he retires?

[Editor’s Note: We welcome Eduardo Razo to Raptors Rapture as a Staff Writer. This is his first post.]

For six years Vince Carter dazzled Raptors fans with his high-flying athleticism. From windmill to 360 dunks, there was a reason why he was dubbed Air Canada. He might not have had the career Michael Jordan had. However, he had a Jordan-like impact as he helped grow the game in Toronto and throughout Canada.

Just look at the NBA talent coming out of the Greater Toronto Area and Canada for that matter. Most cite Carter as the reason that they picked up a basketball. They didn’t want to be like Mike, most wanted to be like Vince.

Toronto native’s such as Tristan Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have spoken publicly about the impact Carter had on them growing up. Thompson described Carter as their Michael Jordan, while Wiggins has stated that every kid wanted to be like Carter.

However, since the trade that sent him to the New Jersey Nets back in 2004, Carter has received a chorus of boos every time he has returned to Toronto. After over a decade of feeling hurt and betrayed it looks like Raptors fans are ready to forgive.

The vintage purple Carter jerseys are becoming more and more common among the fans. If most Raptors fans are ready to forgive the best player in franchise history, then it’s time to bring him back home for one last victory lap.

Furthermore, for someone who is 39, Carter can still play. He’s not what he once was, but will be someone who can come off the bench. With just one year left on his contract with Memphis, the Raptors can look into signing to in the off-season so he can complete 20 seasons in the NBA.

Would it be in the team’s best interest for a nearly 40 year-old Carter to take up a roster spot?

Yes, it would because last season Carter averaged 6.6 points while playing 16.8 minutes per game. These are solid numbers for a guy coming off the bench at his age. Not to mention he can still put up the occasional “Air Canada” type of dunk.

Also, Carter’s production increased after the all-star break last season, jumping from 4.1 to 10 points per game, once his minutes went up. In comparison to other Raptors bench players, he averaged more than Norman Powell and Corey Joseph averaged post all-star break. If he can put up 10 points per game over the next two seasons, then that would be worth a roster spot.

Acquiring Carter before he retires won’t push the Raptors past the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kobe Bryant was able to finish his career with the Lakers this past season and Duncan ended his run with the San Antonio Spurs as well. Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett has gone back to his old stomping grounds to wrap up his career where it began. Carter deserves the same going out treatment as these all-time greats.

In a country in which hockey is the number one sport, Carter did the amazing. He converted some of those hockey fans into basketball fans as well. It will be fitting for Carter to return to Toronto before he retires, so new fans and old can say a proper farewell to the most important and best Raptors player of all time.