According to the New York Times, when Tracy McGrady bolted Toronto to play for the Orlando Magic last summer, it seemed a precursor to the inevitable departure of Vince Carter. McGrady, Carter's cousin and close friend, was the third individual with star power ? Isiah Thomas and Damon Stoudamire were the others ? to leave the young franchise high and dry after a fun and fascinating fling.

But it is beginning to look as if Toronto's ill fortune with top talent is about to end. After an impressive postseason run and a strong showing on this summer's free-agent market, the Raptors seem certain to keep Carter, who can become a restricted free agent in July 2002, in Toronto for the bulk of his career.