Vince Carter to Raptors (Photo : Getty Images)
The idea of Vince Carter playing again for the Toronto Raptors has been going around for the past couple of years. However, if there's a minor trade out there that would actually make a lot sense for Toronto, then seriously it should be the one for Air Canada's prodigal son.
It's been over 12 years since Canada's biggest show that time left Air Canada Center for what he thought a better shot at NBA title with Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and the New Jersey Nets.
Things have changed since that fateful day. The Raptors, who stumbled in the years following Carter's departure, later on tasted postseason success anew with Chris Bosh leading the way.
But it didn't take long before the Raptors suffered the same act of betrayal when Bosh decided to join LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. The following years marked the lowest points in franchise history, as the Raptors had three consecutive losing seasons of 22 wins, 23 and 34.
Fortunately, the ball club's future started to become a lot brighter upon the arrival of head coach Dwayne Casey and then Masai Ujiri, who had built a reputation in Denver as one of the shrewdest executives in the league.
After a series of trades, offseason signing and two back-to-back first round setbacks, the Raptors emerges as legit superpower in this NBA, especially after reaching their first ever Eastern Conference finals last year.
Toronto isn't going to slow down, not after securing long term commitments from their core players Kyle Lowry, Jonas Valanciunas and recently DeMar DeRozan. They also have a bunch of up-and-coming youngsters who can step up in 2-3 years, and draft picks to spare should a trade opportunity arises.
It's really a high time to be a Raptor fan especially after going through the bitterness of losing two franchise players. However, if Toronto ever becomes a greater threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, they absolutely would need an emotional leader on their bench.
Air Canada The Second Time Around:
This is where Vinsanity enters the picture. At 39-years old, Carter is but a shell of his former high-flying self, averaging a mere 6.6 points and 2.4 boards in just under 17 minutes per game.
Then again, acquiring Carter from the Memphis Grizzlies could come a long way for the Raptors. While DeRozan and Lowry were the clear-cut alpha dogs, the team clearly lacks an emotional leader.
Like Draymond Green to the Warriors, Carter looks to be the ideal man to take that role. More than 12 years after turning his back on the people of Toronto, Air Canada's favorite son could turn into a hero again, and get the vindication he's looking for by becoming the heart and soul that would galvanize everyone in that locker room.
There's no better way to write Carter's final NBA year than playing with the organization that first gave him a shot at stardom, and it needs to happen now.
