2019 NBA Champion Is Staying with the Rockets
There is no doubt that Fred VanVleet played a huge part in the success the Houston Rockets achieved this past season. The 31-year-old point guard was a catalyst for a team that earned the number two seed in the Western Conference Playoffs in Ime Udoka’s second season coaching the team. Although the team fell to the Warriors in seven games in the first round, the future is bright in Houston. Led by a mix of veterans and a young core, the Rockets should remain in playoff contention and take the next steps to compete for an NBA title. Now, it has been reported today that the Rockets are declining the 2019 NBA champions $44.9 million team option, and VanVleet intends to sign a two-year $50 million contract to stay with the Houston Rockets franchise.
After going undrafted during the 2016 NBA Draft, VanVleet began his career with the Toronto Raptors. He started on their G-League team and was a part of their 2017 championship run. The former Wichita State point guard joined the Raptors the following season and remained on the team for the next six years. In 2019, VanVleet played a crucial role in helping the Raptors win their first-ever NBA Championship over the Golden State Warriors in six games. His propensity to make three-pointers was on display as he set a Finals record for the most three-point makes in an NBA Finals with 16. However, those were not the only records VanVleet set with the Raptors. He holds the Raptors' records for most assists and points in a game with 20 and 54, respectively. The 2022 all-star’s 54 points are the most an undrafted player has scored in a single game in NBA history. VanVleet also holds the record for the most blocked shots by a player who is six feet or less. Throughout all his accomplishments in Toronto, VanVleet chose to decline his player option and entered free agency in 2023.
He signed with the Rockets on a three-year deal and has been a fixture on a team with savvy veterans such as Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, plus a young core comprised of Amen Thompson and Alperun Sengun. This past season, he averaged 14 points, three rebounds, and five assists on 37 percent shooting. VanVleet will continue to be a crucial asset for the team due to his leadership and veteran experience. Now, as he prepares to enter his third season in Houston, VanVleet will look to help take the next steps with the Rockets, who have not won an NBA championship since 1995, and help the Rockets achieve their goals.
