Vince Carter’s first shoe contract was not with Nike but with Puma. The Raptors rookie agreed to a 10-year $50 million deal, but the contract was terminated after one year. Since 2000, Carter has signed with the Swoosh brand and is still signed with them. To honor the HOF induction, Nike treated one of his stars with a special gift that showcased the love from not only the City of Toronto but also the world.

In honor of Vince Carter’s Hall of Fame Enshrinement and Jersey Retirement, Nike Canada, in partnership with the NBA, presented Vince with a gift. “On behalf of the cities of both Montreal and Toronto, we wanted to give you this ‘Thank You’ moment on your road to the Hall of Fame. Dunk Low Montreal Bagel ($120) and The Nike Air Max 95 ‘Toronto’ ($185).”

“Half-man, half-amazing. 100% Vinsanity. 22 seasons, 8x All Star, Rookie of the Year, Slam Dunk Champ, World Champion. To the legend who put Toronto on the map, we celebrate @mrvincecarter15’s legacy and jersey retirement with the Montreal Bagel Dunks and Toronto Air Max 95’s.” The $305 surprise came in a special box, just like another unique gift.

Nav Bhatia, a super fan of Toronto’s team, uploaded a carousel featuring Vince Carter. In the photos, ‘Vinsanity’ proudly wears a chain made of solid white gold and the highest-quality diamonds. 381 of the finest diamonds were used to carve the pendant, which features his logo, VC, and number 15 uniquely. In another video, the first fan to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021 shared the moment he presented the gift.

“A very special gift from myself and all the Raptors fans across the globe to the greatest Raptor of all time, Vince Carter.” Many NBA superstars who laced their boots against shared a similar sentiment.

Vince Carter receives praise from the King

“CONGRATULATIONS VINSANITY!!!! @mrvincecarter15. DOPE!!! IMMORTALIZED IN THE 6!!!” the Lakers superstar posted on his social media, acknowledging the impact of the North Carolina alum. Even Allen Iverson added, “Congratulations Bro well deserved. Love you!” Their 2001 playoffs semifinal was truly one of the series that fans still remember.

When they met a year prior during the All-Star game, AI said, “I mean, that’s something that I want to you know share with my kids when they get older. You know my first All-Star Game, I got a chance to, you know throw a lob to Vinsanity, you know. And they understand why it feel so good to be able to throw it to him once they see what type of player he is.”

The Mavs’ latest addition, Klay Thompson, also expressed, “One of the best days ever when my mom got me the shoe for ball season. Vinsanity forever!” Those Nike shoes are what the majority of Vince Carter’s highlights contain. He was the first player in Toronto’s history to receive a jersey retirement honor during the 30th anniversary celebration of the franchise.