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. Known for his exceptional point guard skills, including playmaking and shooting, VanVleet has established himself as a key player in the league. He is recognized for his journey as an undrafted player who rose to prominence, showcasing perseverance and skill to become a valuable asset to his teams.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Return of VanVleet

In 2012 VanVleet came off the bench.

2012: Wichita State Shockers resurgence

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

2012: College Offers

In 2012, Fred VanVleet received basketball scholarship offers from multiple universities and ultimately accepted an offer to play for Wichita State.

2012: All-State Selection

In 2012, as a senior, Fred VanVleet was an All-State first-team selection by the Chicago Sun-Times (Class 4A), Associated Press (Class 4A), and Chicago Tribune.

2012: Shockers reached the final four

In the 2012-2013 season, the Shockers reached the final four.

2013: Final Four run by Shockers

In 2013, Fred VanVleet contributed to the Wichita State Shockers team's Final Four run.

2013: NCAA Tournament Contribution

In the 2013 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, Fred VanVleet scored in double digits twice and helped the Shockers reach the final four.

2013: 31-0 Regular Season

In the 2013-14 season, Fred VanVleet helped lead the team to the first 31–0 regular season in NCAA Division I men's basketball history.

2014: All-American Selection

In 2014, Fred VanVleet was named as a NCAA Men's Basketball All-American.

2014: Awards and Recognition

In 2014, Fred VanVleet was named to the MVC All-Conference first team, selected as the MVC Men's Basketball Player of the Year, named to the MVC Most-Improved Team, and received multiple All-American selections.

2015: Season Achievements

During the 2015 season, Fred VanVleet achieved several milestones including tying a school record for steals, posting a triple-double, breaking the all-time Wichita State career assist record, and repeating as the MVC leader in assists per game.

November 9, 2016: NBA Debut

On November 9, 2016, Fred VanVleet made his official league debut for the Toronto Raptors in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2016: NBA Draft and Raptors Signing

In 2016, Fred VanVleet was not selected in the NBA draft but signed with the Toronto Raptors after playing in the NBA Summer League.

2016: Signed with Toronto Raptors

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

2016: NCAA Tournament Victories

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

April 2017: Championship with Raptors 905

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

November 25, 2017: Career-high 16 points against the Indiana Pacers

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

2017: Championship with Raptors 905

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

January 2018: Career highs in points

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

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

On December 9, 2018, Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 19 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

2019: Important bench player

In 2019, Fred VanVleet played a crucial role as a bench player for the Raptors during the NBA playoffs. After struggling with shooting early in the post-season, he scored 21 points in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks, and 14 points in Game 6, contributing significantly to the Raptors' advancement to 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

On January 4, 2020, Fred VanVleet posted 29 points, including 22 in the second half, and a season-high 11 assists, contributing to a comeback victory against the Brooklyn Nets.

November 2020: VanVleet to remain with the Raptors with a four-year 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

On January 4, 2021, Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 35 points while playing against the Boston Celtics.

February 23, 2021: Recorded 4 blocks

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

November 3, 2021: Launched the "Bet On Yourself" podcast

On November 3, 2021, Fred VanVleet launched the "Bet On Yourself" podcast in collaboration with Acast. The podcast's first season featured conversations with up-and-coming BIPOC entrepreneurs in Canada about perseverance, struggles, and success.

November 18, 2021: Extended streak of consecutive games

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

December 31, 2021: Scored 31 points against the Los Angeles Clippers

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

January 4, 2022: Scored 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 Kyle Lowry's Raptors record

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

2022: Named to NBA All-Star Game

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

April 2, 2023: Career-high 20 assists

On April 2, 2023, Fred VanVleet achieved a career-high and Raptors-record 20 assists in a game against the Charlotte Hornets.

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: Recorded 6 blocks against Charlotte

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: Set NBA record for most single-season blocked shots

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

April 28, 2025: Tied a franchise playoff record

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