There’s no debate: Vince Carter’s arrival from the University of North Carolina energised the Toronto Raptors and its fan base.
He was a prolific scorer who could pass, and a fearless dunker who won the 2000 National Basketball Association’s annual Slam Dunk Contest, hitting a windmill dunk before turning to the TV camera and declaring, “It’s over.” Carter’s standout college career meant he arrived in Toronto with a following that propelled the Raptors into the U.S. media spotlight. He averaged 27.6 points in 2000-2001, when the Raptors made the Eastern Conference Final. More importantly, he helped transform the club from expansion team to big-time franchise with championship ambition.
