Vince Carter: Nets retiring my jersey would be 'dream come true'
The Raptors and their fans gave Vince Carter plenty of love Sunday when the Sacramento Kings made a rare trip to Toronto, and the veteran swingman is holding out hope that he'll one day be celebrated by another of his former clubs.
Carter and the Kings trekked into Brooklyn to face the Nets on Wednesday, allowing Carter to visit the franchise where he spent five successful post-Toronto seasons from 2004-09. And while he didn't feature in Sacramento's 104-99 win, Carter candidly admitted afterward he'd love if the Nets decided to retire his jersey whenever he hangs up his shoes.
"Of course. When you hear people talk about it, of course," Carter told the New York Post's Brian Lewis. "For years to come, you walk in here and see your name in the rafters in an arena, a professional arena, that's your dream come true for every player.
"It's a goal for guys. It means you've had a phenomenal career for that team. I would never tell them no, I'll tell you that."
During his time with the Nets, then based in New Jersey, Carter was named an All-Star three times and averaged 23.6 points on 44.7 percent shooting while recording 5.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game - all career highs. He was also a key factor in the team's two consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals before an eventual trade to the Orlando Magic in June 2009.
Of course, any jersey retirement will need to wait until Carter's playing days are over. And while he's nearly 41 years old, he apparently isn't ready to step away from the court just yet.
"I'm going to play another year, for sure. I have to. I feel good," Carter said. "I'm sure you can think of the last time I was asked, I probably said two more years.
"I just go until the body - or me mentally - says don't, until I mentally don't want to prepare to play the right way, if that makes sense."