Vince Carter left his mark on Toronto.
Initially selected by the Golden State Warriors with the fifth overall pick of the 1998 NBA Draft, he was immediately traded to the Raptors in exchange for No. 4 selection Antawn Jamison.
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Nature has started to reclaim the 4,800 square foot home
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Natural light flooded the huge chandeliersCredit: Ethan Minnie YouTube
The Canadian franchise had struggled in the first three years of its history but Carter made an instant impact.
He won Rookie of the Year and earned the Air Canada nickname for his athletic offense.
The 2000 Slam Dunk Contest was the peak Vinsanity era as Carter won one of the best editions ever with a 360-degree windmill and between-the-legs bounce dunk.
But all good things come to an end and in 2004 — three years after signing a $94 million extension — the gifted hooper headed for the New Jersey Nets.
He left behind gutted fans and a $4 million mansion that YouTuber Ethan Minnie explored in a recent video.
The palatial home was situated close to the Air Canada Centre and a neighbor told the YouTube explorer that during Carter’s time there, the driveway was littered with luxury cars and the NBA star hosted celebrity parties.
Stunning views, spiral staircases, huge chandeliers, and columns in the living room, the 4,800 square foot mansion had it all.
With what would have been a top-of-the-line kitchen when Carter lived there, it was a palace fit for a king.
Unfortunately, like athletes themselves, houses often have a shelf life.
Years of neglect left its mark on the walls, with huge water leaks taking out chunks of the ceiling and damaging the floors.
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Carter was known for his spectacular dunksCredit: Getty
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Water has ripped through large chunks of the ceilingCredit: Ethan Minnie YouTube
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Carter’s former pad hosted parties back in the dayCredit: Ethan Minnie YouTube
Most of the possessions had long been cleared out but there were a series of clues about the previous inhabitants.
A workout guide was oddly stuck to a wall near the front door, while motivational phrases adorned the walls.
“Happy is a home when it shelters a friend,” read one.
“Life is a journey, not a destination,” added another.
Carter was likely followed into the house by another athlete or a Raptors megafan, judging by the posters on the living room wall.
One celebrated the Canadian franchise’s first — and only — NBA championship in 2019.
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There was also a framed homage to Kawhi Leonard‘s famous Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers that sent the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Pascal Siakam won Most Improved Player in that thrilling 4-3 triumph and kept on the same path, claiming MVP in the series that sent the Indiana Pacers to this year’s Finals.
According to Minnie, the house and its place in Raptors folklore have been slated for demolition with a house boasting over double the square footage set to take its place.
How much did Vince Carter earn in the NBA?
Carter left the Nets in 2009 and played for six more teams before retiring in 2020.
His No. 15 jersey has been retired by both the Nets and Raptors after a career that saw him win eight consecutive NBA All-Star nods between 2000 and 2007.
One of the highest-paid players of his era, Carter is estimated to have earned $172 million in The Association.
Shaq makes $200 million bet with NBA legend to recreate iconic 25-year featIs Vince Carter in the Hall of Fame?
He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
“I hold this honor in high regard,” Carter said. “I’ve finally been able to handle the fact that you (the voters) have given me an honor not many players get to experience.
“I’m now walking through the doors of which the icons of the game walked through, and it’s because of you guys I get that opportunity as well.”
Carter, who was recently offered $2 million by Shaquille O’Neal to recreate a salm from his Dunk Contest win, was an icon in New Jersey but Toronto remains closest to his heart.
“It all started there,” Carter said. “I had some memorable moments with that organization which created Vinsanity.
“Which is why, without a doubt, I’m going into the Hall of Fame as a Raptor.”