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Kyrie Irving Discusses Impact Vince Carter Had On Him Growing Up

Yesterday, Vince Carter played his final game against the Brooklyn Nets, the franchise formerly known as the New Jersey Nets, for which Carter played from 2005-2009.

Carter not only received a warm welcome, but also “Retire 15!” (his jersey number with the Nets) cheers from the audience.

After the game, Brooklyn star Kyrie Irving immediately went over to Carter to hug him and to congratulate the man he looked up to as a child.

“I just was a kid in my room watching VC and the New Jersey Nets. Like I said, I’m a die hard New Jersey Nets fan before they came to Brooklyn,” Irving said. “That was a kid’s dream to go see Vince Carter and Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets play. But specifically, Vince Carter used to do some amazing things. It was incrediible as a kid to watch. I don’t want to take it for granted how much he’s given up his life, sacrificing his time with his family and hsi friends to be playing basketball for this long.”

Kyrie Irving spoke with Vince Carter and hugged him after his final game against the Nets. @KyrieIrving discussed the impact @mrvincecarter15 had on him growing up and his legacy. pic.twitter.com/2sZKM7o7PC

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 13, 2020