Fred Vanvleet Reveals Real Reason he Left the Raptors

After starting his NBA career with the Raptors and spending 7 seasons with the organization, Fred VanVleet decided to leave Toronto and join the Houston Rockets via free agency this summer. Now many games into the season with his new team Fred has finally revealed the real reason behind him moving on.

Vanvleet Raptors Career

Today, we witness numerous notable NBA stars making their first appearances in the NBA G-League. However, when VanVleet commenced his career with the Raptors 905 in 2016, this pathway wasn't widely viewed as a direct route to the NBA. Going undrafted in 2016, Fred embarked on a journey that is now considered a crucial second chance for many aspiring NBA players.

Spending just one season in the G-League, VanVleet contributed significantly to his team's championship victory, earning recognition that propelled him to the Toronto Raptors' primary squad. Over the subsequent seven years, he steadily earned more opportunities within the rotation, eventually securing a starting role. His pivotal performance was instrumental in the Raptors' championship success.



By the conclusion of his tenure in Toronto, VanVleet had evolved into an All-Star player, averaging approximately 20 points and 7 assists during his final seasons in Canada. His transformation into an elite point guard led to a lucrative $128 million contract offer, prompting his move to the Rockets for the current season.


New Look Rockets

The Rockets boast several highly talented players on their current roster, but their collective downfall was the team's youth and inexperience. To address this, the Rockets made significant investments in free agents VanVleet and Brooks this season.

These acquisitions, combined with new Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, reflect the Rockets' efforts to instill mental toughness and fighting spirit among their younger stars. Despite initial speculation that VanVleet was simply seeking financial gain and using the Rockets as a retirement destination, his recent performance contradicts such notions. His career-high average of 9.1 assists per game has been a significant factor in the Rockets' impressive start.

With an 8-9 record, the Rockets' performance is noteworthy. Considering that they weren't considered a playoff threat at all this year, being just one game behind after several games played is a testament to the hard work paying off in Houston

Vanvleet Reveals Reason For Leaving Toronto

VanVleet has recently opened up about his departure from Toronto, shedding light on the real reason behind his move. Despite the significant difference in pay and the Rockets having what some might consider a weaker roster, VanVleet disclosed that his decision was solely based on basketball.

He pointed out that with the rise of young Raptors star Scottie Barnes, his role and usage in the team were no longer deemed as crucial moving forward. In Houston, he sees the opportunity to showcase his value to the team, particularly as he takes an active role in guiding them through the ongoing rebuilding phase.

Fred VanVleet on leaving the Raptors for the Rockets:

«It was just a time where it's like, 'Okay, it's starting to go around Scottie [Barnes]... my value there wasn't probably as great as it was in Houston.»

(via @wojespn, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/pBJpBl0IAw— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 4, 2023