Few moments in the Toronto Raptors’ 30-year history are as iconic as Vince Carter’s legendary 2000 dunk contest performance.
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The breathtaking 360-degree windmill that launched it, the head-scratching slam with half of Carter’s arm seemingly embedded in the rim, and of course, the between-the-legs jam flawlessly caught off a bounce pass from his Raptors teammate and cousin, Tracy McGrady.
The Raptors’ 2024-25 City Edition uniform, unveiled Thursday, pays homage to this momentous dunk. The original Raptors logo from 1995 is reimagined on the jersey, mirroring Carter’s iconic performance. This special uniform will also be celebrated with a statue at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Fans can view it from November 14-17 before its permanent move to Scotiabank Arena.
“This 30th anniversary season is all about celebrating the people and moments that have shaped this franchise,” said Raptors president and vice chairman Masai Ujiri in a news release. “What better representation than Vince’s unbelievable dunk? It reminds us we can inspire, dream of flight, and be proudly Toronto. This uniform stands apart—unique just like the team and our passionate fans who will wear it proudly.”
Toronto’s “We The North” slogan appears above the jersey tag. Toronto Raptors
The team will debut the uniforms on November 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves and wear them five times throughout the season. A special court featuring a similar logo will accompany the unique threads.
The idea to commemorate their 30th anniversary with this tribute emerged in 2022, according to Shannon Hosford, chief marketing officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. This coincided with plans to retire Carter’s jersey, a decision both significant and deeply meaningful to the franchise.
“When they saw this [design], they’re so proud,” Hosford said of the current Raptors players. “They speak of it so highly. Everything about it—our team, our front office to our players—we are in love with it.”
A limited-time-only installation that highlights the City Edition uniform and its distinctive designed will be at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Toronto Raptors
Unbeknownst to them, the release would coincide with Carter’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. The Raptors saw the jersey as a way to solidify their rich history while looking towards the future.
“Landing on this design was very important to us,” Hosford stated.
Carter himself was deeply involved throughout the process and immediately embraced the idea. The uniform represented more than just a celebration of his tenure in Toronto; it reflected how profoundly he impacted Canadian basketball as a whole.
During his jersey retirement news conference, Carter emphasized that a celebration of his time with the Raptors was all he desired. However, emotions swelled when he discussed being immortalized on their uniform, likening it to Jerry West’s silhouette being synonymous with the NBA logo on a backboard or socks.
“Do you know how big that is? Even if this day did not happen, wherever I am working, watching TV, I would still get to watch a Raptor game with a picture of me dunking a basketball on the jersey,” he said. “That’s just crazy. I look at that like a Hall of Fame. I look at that like a jersey retirement.”
# Toronto Raptors Unveil City Edition Uniform Celebrating Vince Carter‘s Iconic Dunk
The **Toronto Raptors** have unveiled a special edition uniform honoring one of their most beloved players: **Vince Carter**.
### A Tribute to “Half-Man, Half-Amazing”
The new City Edition jersey pays homage to Carter’s iconic legacy in Toronto with a modern twist.
* **Color Scheme:** The jersey features a predominantly white base accented by deep blue and vibrant red details, evoking the city of Toronto itself.
* **Design Highlights:** A bold graphic pattern inspired by the Canadian flag adorns the sides, while the number “15” – Carter’s iconic jersey number – is prominently displayed in a stylized font. The wordmark “Raptors” across the chest incorporates a subtle wave-like design to represent the fluidity of Carter’s legendary athleticism.
### A Historic Dunk Forever Remembered
The jersey’s design draws direct inspiration from one of Carter’s most memorable moments: his **electrifying dunk** over French national team star Frédéric Weis during the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. This iconic dunk cemented Carter’s status as a global superstar and remains a highlight reel staple to this day.
### More Than Just a Jersey
The Raptors City Edition jersey is more than just an apparel piece; it’s a symbol of Carter’s enduring impact on the franchise, the city, and basketball as a whole. It celebrates the spirit of athletic excellence, innovation, and the powerful connection between a team and its fans.
### Fan Reactions: A Celebration of Legacy
Raptors fans have embraced the new jersey with enthusiasm, recognizing it as a fitting tribute to their former star. Social media has been abuzz with excitement, fans sharing images of themselves sporting the jersey and reminiscing about Carter’s unforgettable performances. The jersey serves as a reminder of the Raptors’ rich history and the lasting impact of one of their most iconic players.
#WeTheNorth: The Legacy Continues
While Carter’s playing days in Toronto are long gone, his legacy continues to inspire both current and future generations of Raptors fans. The City Edition uniform is a testament to this enduring legacy, ensuring that “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” will forever be remembered as a Toronto legend.
### Where to Buy
The new Vince Carter City Edition jersey is available for purchase at the Toronto Raptors official online store and select retailers.
