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. Undrafted out of Wichita State, VanVleet proved himself through hard work and determination. He played a key role for the Toronto Raptors, helping them win the NBA championship in 2019. Known for his toughness, playmaking, shooting ability, and defensive tenacity, VanVleet emerged as a reliable point guard. In 2022, he was named an NBA All-Star. He signed with the Houston Rockets in 2023.
November 9, 2016: NBA Debut
On November 9, 2016, Fred VanVleet made his official NBA debut, playing briefly in a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
April 2017: Raptors 905 Championship
In April 2017, Fred VanVleet was a member of the Raptors 905 championship-winning team in the NBA Development League, marking an early career achievement.
November 25, 2017: Career-High 16 Points
On November 25, 2017, Fred VanVleet scored a career-high 16 points against the Indiana Pacers, marking a significant early career milestone.
January 2018: New Career Highs in Points
During January 2018, Fred VanVleet twice set new career highs in points, first against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 22 points and later against the Los Angeles Lakers with 25 points, showcasing his growing offensive capabilities.
July 6, 2018: Re-signing with the Raptors
On July 6, 2018, Fred VanVleet re-signed with the Toronto Raptors, continuing his tenure with the team.
December 9, 2018: Season-High 19 Points
On December 9, 2018, Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 19 points in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
2019: NBA Championship Run
In 2019, Fred VanVleet played a crucial role as a bench player for the Raptors during their NBA playoff run, contributing significantly to their first NBA Championship victory, particularly with his performance in the Eastern Conference Finals and defensive efforts against Stephen Curry in the NBA Finals.
2019: Consecutive Made Three-Pointers Streak Started
In 2019, Fred VanVleet started a streak of consecutive regular-season games with a made 3-point shot.
2019: NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors
In 2019, Fred VanVleet won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, marking a significant triumph in his career.
January 4, 2020: 29 Points and 11 Assists
On January 4, 2020, Fred VanVleet scored 29 points, including 22 in the second half, and achieved a season-high 11 assists, helping the Raptors overcome a 16-point deficit to defeat the Brooklyn Nets.
November 2020: Signs $85 Million Deal with Raptors
In November 2020, Fred VanVleet signed a four-year, US$85 million deal to remain with the Toronto Raptors, marking a significant financial milestone as the largest contract for an undrafted free agent at the time.
January 4, 2021: Season-High 35 Points
On January 4, 2021, Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 35 points while playing against the Boston Celtics.
November 3, 2021: Launched "Bet On Yourself" Podcast
On November 3, 2021, Fred VanVleet launched the "Bet On Yourself" podcast in conjunction with Acast, focusing on conversations with up-and-coming Black Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs in Canada about perseverance, struggles, and success.
November 18, 2021: 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, achieving this against the Utah Jazz by making three-point shots on three consecutive possessions.
December 31, 2021: 31 Points Against the Los Angeles Clippers
On December 31, 2021, Fred VanVleet scored 31 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, beginning a streak of high-scoring games.
January 4, 2022: 33 Points Against the San Antonio Spurs
On January 4, 2022, Fred VanVleet continued his streak of high-scoring games with 33 points against the San Antonio Spurs.
April 3, 2022: Raptors Record for Most 3-Pointers in a Season
On April 3, 2022, Fred VanVleet broke Kyle Lowry's Raptors record for most 3-pointers in a season vs. the Miami Heat.
2022: First NBA All-Star Game Selection
In 2022, Fred VanVleet was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game, recognizing his achievements and performance in the league.
April 2, 2023: Career-High and Raptors-Record 20 Assists
On April 2, 2023, Fred VanVleet achieved a career-high and Raptors-record of 20 assists, along with 20 points, in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets, becoming the sole owner of the franchise's single-game record for both assists and points.
June 2023: Declines Player Option, Becomes Free Agent
In June 2023, Fred VanVleet declined his $22.8 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason, exploring new opportunities in his career.
July 7, 2023: Signs with the Houston Rockets
On July 7, 2023, Fred VanVleet signed with the Houston Rockets, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
