Rockets Realm

FRED VANVLEET

Personal & Early Life

Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr. was born on February 25, 1994, in Rockford, Illinois. After his biological father was tragically killed when Fred was five, he was raised by his mother, Susan, and stepfather, Joe Danforth, who instilled in him resilience, discipline, and a relentless work ethic.

He attended Auburn High School, where he earned All-State honors and led the team to two Illinois state semifinal appearances. Despite his success, his size and under-the-radar profile meant he received limited recruiting attention.

Wichita State University (2012–2016)

At Wichita State, VanVleet flourished:

  • 2013: Contributed off the bench in Wichita State’s surprising run to the Final Four.
  • 2014–2016: Emerged as a leading point guard, earning two MVC Player of the Year awards and anchoring the Shockers to consistently strong records and NCAA Tournament appearances.

His college years cemented his identity as a high-IQ player and clutch scorer.

Professional Career

Toronto Raptors (2016–2023)

Undrafted in 2016, VanVleet impressed in Summer League and earned a spot with the Raptors and their G League affiliate, Raptors 905, winning a 2017 G League title.

He steadily rose within the Raptors:

  • Key contributor in the 2019 NBA Championship run, with clutch shooting in the Eastern Conference Finals and scoring 22 points in Game 6 of the Finals.
  • Named an NBA All-Star in 2022.
  • Set the Raptors’ franchise single-game scoring record with 54 points in February 2021.
  • Signed a 4-year, $85 million contract in 2020 — the largest ever for an undrafted player.

Houston Rockets (2023–present)

On July 7, 2023, VanVleet signed a three-year, approximately $130 million deal with the Houston Rockets.

2023–24 Season Highlights

  • Started all 73 games, averaging 17.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 8.1 APG, and 38.7% 3PT accuracy.
  • The Rockets posted a +1.5 net rating when he played, boosting team performance overall.
  • He created a noticeable drop-off: Houston posted a 3–6 record without him in the lineup in 2023–24.

2024–25 Season & Playoffs

  • In the 2024–25 regular season, he logged 60 games, averaging 14.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, with shooting splits of 37.8% FG / 34.5% 3PT.
  • Despite reduced numbers, his leadership and mentorship under Coach Ime Udoka were vital as younger players like Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson developed, especially with additions such as Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard.
  • Houston finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and faced the Warriors in the first round.
  • VanVleet elevated his play late: in Game 6, he scored 29 points, went 6-of-9 from three, with 8 rebounds and 8 assists, forcing a Game 7. Over the series, he averaged 18.7 PPG and 4.4 APG across seven games despite earlier struggles.
  • His 2024–25 postseason per-game averages stood at 40 minutes, 43% FG, 43.5% 3PT, 18.7 PPG, and 4.4 APG.

Contract Update

In June 2025, the Rockets declined his $44.9 million team option and instead signed him to a 2-year, $50 million extension (with a 2026–27 player option), reaffirming their commitment and belief in his leadership value.

NBPA Leadership: President of the Players’ Association

On July 12, 2025, VanVleet was elected President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) during the annual summer meeting, starting a four‑year term immediately.

He succeeds CJ McCollum, who transitions to an advisory role. In his statement, VanVleet emphasized his commitment to advocating for players across all stages of their careers, drawing from his journey from undrafted free agent to NBA champion and All-Star. The Executive Committee under his leadership includes notable figures such as Grant Williams, Jaylen Brown, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, and others.

Summary & Legacy

Fred VanVleet’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and constant evolution:

  • Undrafted in 2016, he proved doubters wrong with hard work and resilience.
  • Delivered an NBA title in 2019, became an All-Star, set franchise records, and signed major contracts as an undrafted player.
  • In Houston, he blends veteran leadership with developing young talent and remains a clutch performer on the court.
  • His election as NBPA President marks a transition to a major leadership role off the court, advocating for players’ rights and welfare at a critical juncture in his career.

VanVleet’s life reflects his motto: “Bet on Yourself.” From Rockford to NBPA leader, his journey continues to inspire.