If the Toronto Raptors are able to have a breakout season and make some serious noise in the Eastern Conference, it’ll be partly because of Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet has become the face of that team and is now its leader and biggest star.
There is something so great about VanVleet, he is a blast to watch and easy to root for.
It’s even easier to cheer him on when you think of his story and how far he’s come.
How come we're not more amazed by Fred VanVleet's career arc? This man is Jeremy Lin…if he never cooled off…
Undrafted, G-League, 0 starts in first 2 years, gets hot in '19 playoffs, receives Finals MVP vote, signs for $21M/year, makes All-Star
Still balling, only 28 ?
— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) October 19, 2022
He was first undrafted by the NBA and then joined the G League, where he played for a few years until he got a lot of exposure and then eventually signed by the Raptors.
Since then, he has seen his star rise and even received votes for Finals MVP a few years ago.
Recently, he signed a new $21 million-a-year contract with Toronto, keeping him with the team for the foreseeable future and showing his importance to the city and the franchise.
VanVleet’s journey hasn’t been an easy one but he is surely aware of what he’s accomplished – and what is left to be done.
Steady Freddy
When you watch VanVleet play, you see someone who doesn’t look like the biggest or strongest NBA star.
But you also see someone who plays hard and leaves it all on the floor.
The guy has some serious stamina and energy and drive and it rarely ever lets up, even for a single possession.
That’s likely because of his background and how he got started fighting for minutes in the G League.
Now, he’s a starter for one of the biggest teams in the league but he still plays as if he’s trying to earn his spot.
NEXT: NBA Insider Believes The Raptors Could Have A Huge Year
