Keep in mind that this article was written on June 30th, not August 5th.
When the Raptors traded for Vince Carter in the 1998 NBA Draft, they knew he was good.
But not a basketball legend.
Not someone who had a top-tier performance in the 2000 dunk contest to put himself on the map.
Not someone who was cold-blooded in the clutch multiple times.
Not someone who would become “Half-Man/Half-Amazing”, “V.C.”, “Vinsanity”, and “Air Canada”.
Not someone who would win an Olympic gold medal with the 2000 U.S team in Sydney, Australia.
Not someone who’s a prominent philanthropist.
Not someone who created his foundation, Embassy of Hope, to help children and their families in Florida (his home state), New Jersey and Toronto.
Not someone who’s a rising businessman.
Not someone’s who’s been endorsed by major companies including Nike, EA Sports, T-Mobile among others.
Not someone who was an 8x All-Star.
Not someone who was in an All-NBA team twice.
Not someone who spent 4 decades playing the game he loved.
Not someone who played some of the greats of basketball, such as Tracy McGrady (his cousin), Charles Oakley, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, Jason Kidd, Alonzo Mourning, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki.
Not someone who mentored the next generation of players, including Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, and Trae Young.
Not someone who had inspired an entire country, including one of the best rappers of all-time in Drake.
Not someone who made a lasting mark on the basketball world and his own world.
I think basketball fans will agree with me when I say this but, we’ll miss you, Vince.
Sources: vincecarter15.com, basketball-reference.com, nba.com