Former Toronto Raptors star point guard Fred VanVleet took to Instagram to thank the city and the team’s fans on Sunday, less than 48 hours after making the decision to sign with the Houston Rockets.
“Words can’t do justice to how thankful I am to the city that watched me grow from a young kid praying for a chance to a NBA CHAMPION, all-star, and a father of 3!” VanVleet wrote.
“I am forever indebted to the franchise that gave me a shot when no one else would. We built things together that can never be broken, and accomplished things that will stand forever. I went from the fans not knowing who I was, to fan favorite, to most hated and I’m thankful for every second of it.
“To the city, franchise, and country that watched me grow every step of the way – THANK YOU.”
VanVleet became a fan favourite in Toronto as he developed into an all-star after originally signing with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Wichita State in 2016.
Toronto rapper and Raptors ambassador Drake also chimed in, commenting on his “look alike’s” Instagram post, wishing the guard farewell while adding a bit of a tongue-in-cheek joke at the end.
“My look alike… the love is forever. Thank you for your character and your contributions over the years, the city will never forget!!! Good luck with everything on the Guangdong Dragons…….. I mean the Rockets,” Drake said in his comment.
VanVleet kept it short and sweet with his reply, simply saying “relax.”
Playing and living with the mantra ‘Bet on Yourself’, VanVleet split his first season between the NBA and G League before earning a full-time role in Toronto the following season as a key member of the bench unit.
VanVleet earned more responsibility as time went on, playing a key role in Toronto’s first and only NBA championship in 2019.
VanVleet became the starting point guard two years later when Kyle Lowry went to the Miami Heat, earning an All-Star Game spot in 2021-22.
The 29-year-old native of Rockford, Ill. holds Raptors single-game records for point (54) and assists (20).
The Rockets signed VanVleet to a three-year, $130-million deal when free agency opened Friday.