Entrant Company
Brooklyn Nets
Entry Type
Teams, Leagues, Governing Bodies, & Associations
Medium
Gameday Fan Experience
When the Brooklyn Nets retired Vince Carter’s jersey, they wanted more than a ceremony — they wanted a story that would live forever.
How Do You Make a Number Famous? is that story. Narrated by Nets legend and Vince’s idol Julius Erving, the film takes fans on a cinematic journey through the defining chapters of Carter’s life and career. From his childhood street in Daytona Beach, to the Mainland High School gym where his legend began, to UNC’s Dean Dome, to the old New Jersey hardwood, the film recreated these settings using hyper-realistic virtual production. For fans in Barclays Center, it felt as if Dr. J himself was walking Vince’s path and inviting them along for the ride.
The creative treatment blended eras seamlessly. Stylized flashbacks and archival highlights were woven into Erving’s calm, powerful narration, giving weight to Carter’s iconic moments without overstatement. Projector effects, locker room sequences, and symbolic shots of jerseys in rafters turned familiar settings into emotional anchors. Each scene served as a chapter, building anticipation for the ultimate moment: Carter’s #15 ascending to the rafters.
For the 18,000 fans in the arena, this wasn’t just a video — it was the emotional centerpiece of the night. As the film closed with the line “Half Man, Half Amazing,” the crowd erupted, marking a shared moment of pride that transcended generations of Nets fandom.
The film’s reach extended far beyond Brooklyn. It aired nationally on ESPN and was amplified across Nets digital and social channels, resonating with millions of fans worldwide. Produced in-house in collaboration with Brooklyn based production house The Garage, it reflected the franchise’s dedication to creativity, innovation, and authentic storytelling.
By pairing one icon’s voice with another’s legacy, the Nets reimagined what a jersey retirement could be. The result wasn’t just a tribute — it was an unforgettable story that captured why Vince Carter will always be Half Man, Half Amazing.