Toronto Raptors – Vince Carter, #15
The Toronto Raptors have never retired a player’s jersey number. Current team president Masai Ujiri admitted that he wants to retire Kyle Lowry’s number 7 after he retires. However, it’s Vince Carter’s number 15 jersey that should be the first Raptors number hung in Scotiabank Arena.
Carter was the franchise’s first superstar. “Vinsanity” put the Toronto Raptors on the map. He was also the team’s first NBA star player and led the Raptors to their first-ever playoff berth. Carter became a household name in 2000 when he won a memorable Slam-Dunk contest during NBA All-Star weekend.
More importantly, Carter influenced many youngsters in Toronto. Some are even in the NBA Today.
Other Players in Consideration: Chris Bosh, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry
Utah Jazz – Rudy Gobert, #0
Who has the most win shares in Utah Jazz history after Karl Malone and John Stockton? Rudy Gobert.
The French big man spent nine seasons in Salt Lake City. Gobert was a three-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year while a member of the Jazz.
He played in 611 games in a Jazz Uniform and averaged 12.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.
Other Players in Consideration: Andrei Kirilenko, Gordon Hayward, Donovan Mitchell
Washington Wizards – Bradley Beal, #3
Beal wanted to win in Washington, badly. He was loyal to the Wizards until he couldn’t be anymore. Now he’s a member of the Phoenix Suns. Beal’s loyalty and performance while in a Wizards uniform is deserving of having his number 3 retired by the team one day.
The high-scoring guard played eleven seasons in Washington and was a three-time NBA All-Star. Beal averaged 22.1 points in 695 games with the club. He ranks among the franchise’s top-3 in points, assists, games, and steals. Beal is also the Wizards all-time leader in three-point field goals made.
Other Players in Consideration: Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, John Wall