SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Although Vince Carter’s tenure in Canada was brief, his influence on Canadian basketball remains significant to this day.

Those young fans who admired him during his days with the Toronto Raptors—aspiring players who envisioned themselves donning a jersey featuring a dinosaur—have since matured. They have evolved into a driving force, transforming Canada’s national basketball team into one of the premier squads globally, with many crediting Carter as the catalyst for their love of basketball, a sport that previously lacked the same national excitement as hockey.

“Everyone who plays basketball in this country knows Vince Carter’s name,” remarked RJ Barrett, a forward for the Raptors. “His contributions to the game are monumental.”

With standout players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the runner-up for the 2024 NBA MVP award, and Jamal Murray, a champion in 2023, Canada fielded 10 NBA players during the Olympics—second only to the U.S. in terms of representation.

Carter’s journey in the NBA began with the Raptors, where he spent the first 6.5 years of a record-setting 22-season career. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1999 and quickly became an All-Star and Slam Dunk champion in his second season, contributing to Toronto’s first playoff appearance.

In addition, he was part of the Olympic squad that claimed gold in 2000, where his iconic dunk over France’s Frederic Weis remains one of the most unforgettable moments in Olympic basketball, particularly at a time when the U.S. had maintained an undefeated streak with its NBA players.

Fast-forwarding to last year, Canada’s national team achieved a historic milestone by securing the bronze medal at the World Cup of Basketball, defeating the U.S. for third place in the process.

The shift from watching Carter to emulating his style on the court is evident. “Many kids, including myself, tried to replicate his moves in our backyards,” shared Kelly Olynyk, a fellow Raptors player. “The impact he had is immense.”

When the Raptors launched as an expansion team in 1995, there were doubts about the NBA’s viability in Canada, a nation where hockey reigns supreme. Their fellow expansion team, the Vancouver Grizzlies, folded after just six years. However, after initial struggles, the Raptors selected Carter in the 1998 NBA draft, leading to a promising turnaround where they nearly broke even in his first season and made the playoffs the following year.

Reflecting on his early days in Toronto, Carter attributes much of his success to the mentorship he received during that time, alongside veteran players like Charles Oakley. “I had immense support and was eager to learn from my teammates,” he stated during a press conference where he discussed his upcoming induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

While the newest wave of Canadian players on the national team may not have personal memories of watching Carter play, many older athletes, including Olynyk, Tristan Thompson, and Cory Joseph, can recall the excitement he generated. “My friends and I were inspired to pursue basketball because of the Raptors and Vince’s thrilling performances. Now, as we have kids of our own, we’re seeing a multi-generational passion for the sport,” noted Olynyk.

Despite past tensions between Carter and Raptors fans following his trade request, the relationship has mended over time. This season, the team plans to retire his jersey and recently unveiled a newly rejuvenated Vince Carter Court in a Toronto park.

Jordi Fernandez, the Nets coach who previously led Canada’s national team, emphasized the importance of Carter’s legacy. “It’s incredibly special for him to be recognized in the Hall of Fame and equally significant for Canadian basketball to celebrate such a remarkable player,” he stated.