Mavericks' forgotten legend finally gets the all-time respect he deserves

When he played in the NBA, Jason Kidd was one of the top point guards in the world. Making 10 All-Star Games, leading the NBA in assists six times, and being part of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks NBA championship helped Kidd reach the Hall of Fame and go down as one of the best Mavericks in franchise history.

However, great teammates are just as important for a player to reach the Hall of Fame. For Kidd, he had one standout teammate, particularly with the New Jersey Nets, and that is Vince Carter.

From 2004-2008, Kidd and Carter played together for the Nets and made the playoffs every year together from 2005-2007. Kidd's tenure ended with the Nets in February 2008 when he was traded to the Mavericks. Carter's tenure ended with the Nets in 2009. Now, Carter received a well-deserved honor with the Nets.

Carter's jersey number to be retired by Nets

Today, the Nets are officially retiring Carter's No. 15. Although Carter only played 374 games as a Net, he deserved the honor of having his jersey number retired.

When Carter's jersey number was going to be retired, Kidd mentioned how Carter made the game "so easy" for him and was one of the best teammates he ever had in his basketball career.

Despite having his number retired by the Nets and being teammates with Kidd as a Net, some might forget Carter played for the Mavericks for three seasons. In one of those seasons, Carter and Kidd were teammates again.

Carter and Kidd were teammates in Kidd's second to last season in the NBA in the 2011-12 season with the Mavericks. While the season ended in disappointing fashion with the Mavericks getting swept in the first round of their title defense, being teammates one last time was special for Carter and Kidd.

In his 22-year career, Carter was one of the most electrifying players in the league. With his flashy dunks and intensity, Carter had a well-accomplished career and played till he was 43 years old. Carter won the 1999 Rookie of the Year and was an eight-time All-Star. Carter will always be remembered for his iconic performance at the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest known for his "it's over" dunk.

While Carter might be most famous for his 2000 Dunk Contest in his career, he is remembered by Maverick fans for one play. During Game 3 of the Mavericks' first-round matchup of the 2014 playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs, the Mavericks trailed 108-106. Enter Vinsanity.

Carter would hit a buzzer-beater to win the game for the Mavericks and sent the American Airlines Center into a frenzy. Although the Mavericks lost the series in seven games, Carter's buzzer-beater will always go down as one of the best playoff wins in Mavericks history.

Carter will join Kidd in the rafters of Barclays Center by having his jersey number retired. Two legendary players who played together will be forever remembered in Nets history.