Vince Carter inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: Highlights from his speech

Vince Carter stood on a stage in Springfield, Massachusetts, and took a deep breath into the microphone.

“I’ve got something to say,” he began his Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech.

For 28 minutes, Carter thanked important people in his life — from cousin Tracy McGrady and hero Julius Erving, the two icons sitting alongside him as he delivered his remarks, to Shaquille O'Neal and his mom, Michelle Carter.

As of Sunday night, Daytona Beach’s own is officially enshrined in the Hall.

He headlined a 13-member class that included former Detroit Pistons star Chauncey Billups and Los Angeles Lakers standout Michael Cooper.

"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.”

Vince Carter shouted out Mainland High School, Orlando Magic in Hall of Fame speech

Carter’s credentials are well known.

He played 22 years in the National Basketball Association, suiting up for eight teams. He captured the 1999 Rookie of the Year award and the 2000 dunk contest title. He appeared in eight All-Star games, and his number will be retired by the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets during the upcoming season.

Carter ran through the list, acknowledging each stop of his career during his speech. He started with his alma mater, Mainland High School .

“Thank to my coaches, coach Dick Toth, Charles Brinkerhoff, Derrick Henry,” Carter said. “My teammates — Joe (Giddens), (Desmond Long), TT (Toliver), Donnie (Gray), the 1995 state championship team. It's been an honor to take the floor with you guys and win a championship and make memories.”

The 47-year-old also spoke about the Orlando Magic, a franchise located approximately 50 miles from where he grew up and a team he spent a season and a half with.

“You talk about fun times,” Carter said. “It was a dream come true to finally get that opportunity to play with the home team. Such good times.”

Finally, he turned his attention to the Toronto Raptors . It was the last team he highlighted.

Vince Carter enters Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as Toronto Raptor

Carter mentioned that McGrady, who arrived in Toronto a year before him, promised the Raptors would draft him.

They didn’t.

But after the Golden State Warriors picked Carter fifth overall in 1998, the Raptors immediately traded for him. He played more seasons (seven) and more games (403) for Toronto than any other team during his career.

“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.”

The crowd erupted.

He expressed gratitude toward “golfing buddy” Kyle Lowry, Kobe Bryant for retirement guidance, Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia, among others.

Of course, Carter thanked the fans.

“I say thank you for your cheers and your boos,” he said. “It's been a motivating force to make it to 22 years in the league. I never took it personal. I know how we are as fans that love our sports teams. But man, it's been an honor to fly in arenas for your entertainment.”

Carter got emotional at points. He stepped back from the mic to wipe his eyes while the crowd applauded in encouragement.

He issued his final thank-you’s to his family and closest confidants.

Vince Carter: We should pass wisdom to next generation

“In life, we go through obstacles that are filled with ups and downs, goods and bads and everything in between,” Carter said. “It seems like a gauntlet you're going through, but we somehow figure it out — either on your own, from a coach, teammate, co-workers, boss or even through life experiences. It gets us to the finish line.

“When we look back at the process, we have a greater appreciation for what we've experienced. Take those experiences and give them to the next generation. Drop those gems. Because remember, it was done for us. We have to keep the cycle going .”

He ended his speech by pointing to the other newly minted inductees.

“Guess what, y'all?” he said. “From now on, they don't just say your first and last name without saying Hall of Famer.”

Then, Carter took a moment to look out at the crowd, which rose to its feet. He nodded his head and held in the tears.

And as he hugged McGrady and Erving, he beamed a smile.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Vince Carter inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: Highlights from his speech