Vince Carter gets a standing O in what could be his last game in Toronto

The Toronto Raptors have been a professional basketball team for only 22 years. Their fans, however, understand when greatness is in the building.

Vince Carter was drafted fifth overall out of the University of North Carolina in 1998. On draft day, a trade sent Carter to the Toronto Raptors. It was in Toronto where Vinsanity made his mark.

The Toronto Raptors were in their third year of existence and lacked anything resembling a franchise player. Then Carter arrived and changed all of that. In his first season he won Rookie of the Year averaging 18 points per game. In the lockout shortened season, “Air Canada” as he was pleasantly nicknamed by the Raptors faithful, gave the city some basketball life.

The following season Carter made the jump to becoming a full blown superstar. He averaged over 25 points per game and was named third team All-NBA. The Raptors also made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

All in all, Carter played seven seasons with the Raptors. He is third on Toronto’s all time scoring list behind DeMar DeRozan and Chris Bosh. After his rookie season, Carter made every All-Star game. An iconic moment was when Carter relinquished his starting spot in the 2003 All Star game so that Michael Jordan could start in his final All-Star appearance.

Despite leaving the team on bad terms with management, Carter has been forgiven by the Toronto faithful. He is now a member of the Sacramento Kings, as the elder statesmen aiding in the young team’s development.

Last night the Raptors played in Toronto against Carter’s current team. After 18 seasons in the NBA, it is expected to be his final season. For most NBA fans, Carter will forever be associated with the Raptors. Toronto fans made sure Carter felt the love after he checked out for the final time, with a standing ovation.

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Whether this is Carter’s final season or not, that was a great moment by the Raptors fans. Vince Carter is one of the best to ever play there and changed the entire franchise. He deserved to be checked out to nothing but cheers.