TORONTO (NBA) - For many years, Vince Carter was the dazzling, high-flying guard of the Toronto Raptors.

He was someone who, more than any other Raptor player had ever done north of the border, captured the imagination of fans.

"Vinsanity" was his nickname, and his highlight reel dunks and game-winning jump shots occurred on a weekly basis.

Carter, and this is no overstatement, became the stuff of legend.

He first wore the Raptors shirt in 1998 as a rookie and continued to do so until the 2004-05 campaign.

With the 36-year-old nearing the end of his NBA career, the Raptors held a special ceremony in his honor on Wednesday night early in their game against Carter’s club now, the Memphis Grizzlies.

It was part of the club's 20th anniversary celebration.

During a first-quarter timeout, a highlight reel of Carter’s plays during his time in Toronto was shown to the crowd of 19,800 spectators.

Not surprisingly, Carter became emotional.

He raised both arms and tapped his heart.

"It was an honest reaction," he said after Toronto’s 96-92 win. 

"It really felt good." 

Not all veterans in the NBA receive the type of recognition afforded to Carter on Wednesday.

Some fans in Toronto have never forgotten that Carter left left the club and ended up playing for several other sides.

Most, however, still remember him as a Raptor and are thankful that he played for the team.

"It was amazing," he said of the ceremony. "It was a great feeling.

"I couldn’t write it any better. I’m extremely thankful for what they wanted to do and for doing it."

During his days as a Raptor, Carter was also a member of the United States national team.

He helped the Americans capture the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics.

The Raptors now have another USA national team player in DeMar DeRozan, who featured at this summer’s FIBA Basketball World Cup and helped the United States get to the top of the podium.

DeRozan had 21 points to lead Toronto in Wednesday’s win and after, he was asked about Carter.

"He (Carter) deserves (the recognition)," DeRozan said. 

"He was the one who pioneered the thing with the Toronto Raptors.

"Give him his credit. He made me a fan at an early age. 

"All of us here saw the things that Vince did here in Toronto, especially myself. 

"He’s definitely one of my favorite players of all time. It was definitely a great moment.

"It was definitely a special moment, knowing that I’m a Toronto Raptor and the things that I’ve done since I’ve been here, it all started from him.

"I talked to him and he said he was proud of me and to keep working and stay healthy."

FIBA