Fred VanVleet: The Underdog Champion Of The NBA

On the basketball court, Fred VanVleet has always been a winner. He excelled in his early days of the sport, and in college, he was on a pair of Wichita State teams that made the Final Four and had an undefeated regular season, respectively. In the NBA, he joined the Toronto Raptors, routinely one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and won an NBA championship during the 2018-19 season.

Off the court? It was a different story. VanVleet barely even made the league at first. He told teams not to draft him as the 2016 NBA Draft went on. He thought he'd have a better shot making a roster as an undrafted free agent — especially after teams told him they probably wouldn’t have a spot for him.

So VanVleet let his game speak for him. He played well enough in his first two seasons to earn a modest two-year, $18 million deal. Then he helped Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and the rest of the Raptors win a championship, playing key minutes down the stretch during the playoffs. Last year was more of the same, with the Raptors relying even more heavily on VanVleet after Leonard left in free agency.

VanVleet's hard work has paid off in a big way. He's agreed to a four-year, $85 million deal to stay with the Raptors, with a player option for the final season. If VanVleet continues his strong play, he can decline that final option and re-negotiate for an even larger deal. That’s something players are doing more often, and it's leading to lucrative financial gain.

The combo guard has proven to be a strength for the Raptors, both offensively and defensively. And with this deal, he’s showing loyalty to the organization that gave him a chance in the NBA. Now, he’s got his biggest contract yet. And at 26 years old, he still has a lot of potential ahead of him. If he can improve his shooting efficiency, he could make an All-Star team — and earn the additional financial benefits that those selections can bring.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Early Career
• NBA Journey
• Personal Life
• Key Takeaways

Biography

Early Career

VanVleet's journey began in college, where he made a name for himself at Wichita State. He played a crucial role in leading his team to the Final Four and an undefeated season, showcasing his potential. Despite his college success, the transition to the NBA was anything but smooth.

When the 2016 NBA Draft approached, VanVleet faced uncertainty. He was not selected, as he had anticipated, but instead chose to pursue a career as an undrafted free agent. This decision was fueled by a belief that he could carve out a place on an NBA roster through determination and skill.

NBA Journey

Once with the Toronto Raptors, VanVleet quickly proved his worth. His performance in the first two seasons earned him a significant contract, and he became integral to the team's championship run in 2019. This experience solidified his role as a key player in the Raptors' lineup.

With the departure of star players like Kawhi Leonard, VanVleet's responsibilities increased. He stepped up his game, showcasing his versatility and ability to perform under pressure. His dedication to improving his skills has not gone unnoticed, leading to a lucrative contract extension with the Raptors.

Personal Life

Off the court, Fred VanVleet is known for his dedication to family and community. He values his roots and often shares insights about his upbringing, which shaped his work ethic and character. His journey from Rockford to the NBA serves as an inspiration for many young athletes.

VanVleet is also actively involved in various charitable initiatives, giving back to the community that supported him. This commitment reflects his belief in the importance of using his platform for positive change.

Key Takeaways

• Hard work and determination can lead to success, even when the odds are against you.
• Building loyalty with an organization can pay off in significant ways.
• Improving skills can lead to career advancement and financial gain.
• The journey from college basketball to the NBA can be challenging but rewarding.