Carter is not the ideal Raptor to get this honour first. He’s not the quintessential Raptor — that was Kyle Lowry. He’s not someone who never wavered in his passion for the city — that was DeMar DeRozan. He didn’t lead the Raptors to their first NBA championship — that was Kawhi Leonard. And their days will come, in one form or another.

The eight-time All-Star will become the first player in Raptors history to have his number and jersey retired.

The Raptors legend was in town, days after reports the Raptors would retire his jersey this season, to reopen a city court he'd helped build 21 years ago. Despite his acrimonious departure in 2004, the future hall of famer drew nothing but cheers Friday.