Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Fred VanVleet

How Fred VanVleet built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Fred VanVleet is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. He is known for his journey from an undrafted player to a key contributor and eventual NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors. VanVleet is recognized for his tenacious defense, playmaking ability, and clutch shooting. He played college basketball for Wichita State, leading them to significant success, before entering the NBA. His career highlights include winning an NBA championship in 2019 and earning recognition as a reliable point guard in the league. In 2023, he signed with the Rockets, marking a new chapter in his career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 1997: Matt Maloney ties franchise record for 3 point shots

In May 1997, Matt Maloney made 8 three point shots for a franchise playoff record.

2005: Robert Horry sets NBA Finals record

In 2005, Robert Horry set an NBA Finals record for with 15 three pointers made off the bench.

2007: Early Career Challenges and Team Struggles

In 2007, Wichita State endured its worst start to a season (2–4) since the 2007–08 team.

2008: Early Career Challenges and Team Struggles

In 2008, Wichita State fell to two games under .500 for the first time since the 2008–09 team.

2012: Wichita State Shockers Final Four Run

In 2012, Fred VanVleet contributed to a resurgence of Wichita State Shockers basketball.

2012: Sweet 16 Appearance

In 2012, Fred VanVleet's 13 points against Gonzaga helped the Shockers secure only the fifth Sweet 16 appearance by a #9 seed since the tournament went to 64 teams in 1985.

2012: Early Career Challenges and Team Struggles

In 2012, as a member of the 2012–13 team, Fred VanVleet came off the bench for the Shockers.

2012: All-State Selection and IHSA Final Four

In 2012, as a senior, Fred VanVleet was an All-State first-team selection and helped lead Auburn High School to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) final four.

2013: Wichita State Shockers Final Four Run

In 2013, Fred VanVleet contributed to a resurgence of Wichita State Shockers basketball that included a Final Four run.

2013: Start of undefeated season

In 2013, Fred VanVleet helped lead the team to the first 31–0 regular season in NCAA Division I men's basketball history.

2013: NCAA Tournament Performance

In the 2013 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, Fred VanVleet contributed double-digit scoring twice as the Shockers reached the final four.

2014: MVC Player of the Year and All-American Selection

In 2014, Fred VanVleet helped lead the team to the first 31–0 regular season in NCAA Division I men's basketball history, was named MVC Men's Basketball Player of the Year, and selected as an NCAA Men's Basketball All-American.

2015: Continued Success and Records

In 2015, Fred VanVleet continued his success, setting records, achieving milestones, and earning accolades, including MVC Co-player of the Week and breaking the all-time Wichita State career assist record.

November 9, 2016: NBA Debut

On November 9, 2016, Fred VanVleet made his official league debut, playing briefly in a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2016: Signed with the Toronto Raptors

After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, Fred VanVleet signed with the Toronto Raptors.

2016: NBA Draft and Raptors Signing

In 2016, Fred VanVleet was not selected in the NBA draft but later signed with the Toronto Raptors after declining offers to play in the NBA Development League.

2016: NCAA Tournament Victories

In the 2016 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, Fred VanVleet led the team to victories over Vanderbilt and Arizona.

April 2017: D-League Championship

In April 2017, Fred VanVleet was a member of Raptors 905's championship-winning team in the NBA Development League.

November 25, 2017: Career-High 16 Points Against Indiana Pacers

On November 25, 2017, Fred VanVleet scored a career-high 16 points in a game against the Indiana Pacers.

2017: Raptors 905 Championship

In 2017, Fred VanVleet was a member of Raptors 905's championship team.

January 2018: New Career Highs in Points

During January 2018, Fred VanVleet twice achieved new career highs in points: first against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 22 points, and then on January 28 against the Los Angeles Lakers with 25 points.

May 2018: Chris Paul ties franchise record for 3 point shots

In May 2018, Chris Paul made 8 three point shots for a franchise playoff record.

July 6, 2018: Re-signed with the Raptors

On July 6, 2018, Fred VanVleet re-signed with the Toronto Raptors.

December 9, 2018: Season-High 19 Points Against Milwaukee Bucks

On December 9, 2018, Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 19 points in a 104–99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

2019: 2019-20 Regular Season Games

Between games 23 to 54 (32 games) of the 2019–20 regular season Fred VanVleet converted three-point shots.

2019: Key Role in Raptors' Playoff Run

In 2019, Fred VanVleet was a crucial bench player for the Raptors during their NBA playoff run. Overcoming an initial shooting slump, he significantly contributed to the team's success, particularly after the birth of his son. His improved performance aided the Raptors in advancing to and winning the NBA Finals.

2019: NBA Championship with Raptors

In 2019, Fred VanVleet won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors.

January 4, 2020: 29 Points and 11 Assists Against Brooklyn Nets

On January 4, 2020, Fred VanVleet scored 29 points, including 22 in the second half, and had a season-high 11 assists, leading a 16-point comeback victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

November 2020: VanVleet to Remain with Raptors with $85 Million Deal

In November 2020, Fred VanVleet agreed to remain with the Raptors under a four-year, US$85-million deal.

January 4, 2021: Season-High 35 Points Against Boston Celtics

On January 4, 2021, Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 35 points, including six three-pointers, in a 126–114 loss to the Boston Celtics.

February 23, 2021: 4 Blocks, including 2 on Joel Embid

On February 23, 2021, Fred VanVleet recorded 4 blocks, with two of them being on Joel Embid.

November 3, 2021: Launch of Bet On Yourself Podcast

On November 3, 2021, Fred VanVleet, in conjunction with Acast, launched the "Bet On Yourself" podcast.

November 18, 2021: Extended Streak of Consecutive Games with Three 3-Point Shots

On November 18, 2021, Fred VanVleet extended his streak of consecutive games with at least three three-point shots made to eight by making three-point shots on three consecutive possessions against the Utah Jazz.

December 31, 2021: 31 Points Against the Los Angeles Clippers

On December 31, 2021, Fred VanVleet scored 31 points against the Los Angeles Clippers.

January 4, 2022: 33 points against the San Antonio Spurs

On January 4, 2022, Fred VanVleet scored 33 points against the San Antonio Spurs.

April 3, 2022: Broke Raptors Record for Most 3-Pointers in a Season

On April 3, 2022, Fred VanVleet broke Kyle Lowry's Raptors record for the most 3-pointers in a season (238) against the Miami Heat.

2022: NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 2022, Fred VanVleet was named to his first NBA All-Star Game.

April 2, 2023: Career-High 20 Assists Against Charlotte Hornets

On April 2, 2023, Fred VanVleet achieved a career-high and Raptors-record 20 assists, along with 20 points, in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets. He became the franchise's sole owner of the single-game records for both assists and points.

June 2023: Declined Player Option

In June 2023, Fred VanVleet declined his $22.8 million player option, becoming an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason.

July 7, 2023: Signed with the Houston Rockets

On July 7, 2023, Fred VanVleet signed with the Houston Rockets.

January 26, 2024: Consecutive Games with at Least 3 Blocks

On January 26, 2024, Fred VanVleet marked his third consecutive game with at least 3 blocks with a 6-block effort against Charlotte.

February 2024: NBA Record for Most Blocked Shots

In February 2024, Fred VanVleet set the NBA record for most blocked shots by a player listed at 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) or less.

April 28, 2025: Ties franchise record for 3 point shots

On April 28, 2025, Fred VanVleet made 8 three point shots in game 4 of the opening round of the 2025 NBA playoffs against Golden State, tieing a franchise playoff record.