American · Rockford, Illinois · Born 25 February 1994Undrafted underdog who became an NBA champion with Toronto and one of the most beloved point guards of his generation.
Fred VanVleet was born in Rockford, Illinois on 25 February 1994. One of the greatest undrafted success stories in NBA history, VanVleet went undrafted in 2016 from Wichita State before signing a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors. His determination, shooting ability and defensive tenacity saw him earn a full roster spot and then a starting position. He played a key role in Toronto's 2019 NBA Championship — hitting a pivotal three-pointer in the decisive Game 6 against Golden State — and went on to become the team's starting point guard and an All-Star in 2022. He signed a $85m deal with Toronto as a maximum-value undrafted player. He joined the Houston Rockets in 2023 in a move to lead a young team's development. His story is a testament to perseverance.
Undrafted player who became NBA champion and All-Star
He went undrafted in 2016 and seven years later was an NBA champion, an All-Star and one of the highest-paid undrafted players in league history — one of basketball's greatest underdog stories.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clutch shooter, defensive guard, floor general
Lasting Impact
Symbol of perseverance, key contributor to Toronto's first NBA title
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 2019
| Club | Period | Apps | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | 2016–2022 | 454 | #23 |
| Houston Rockets | 2023–2024 | 73 | — |
American Athletes