It’s been nearly two years since Fred VanVleet wore a Toronto Raptors jersey, but fans haven’t forgotten his impact on the franchise. The feeling, it seems, is mutual.
On Sunday, the Houston Rockets point guard returned to Scotiabank Arena, where his current team edged out the Raptors in a hard-fought 114-110 victory.
Although the home side came up short on the scoreboard, fans in attendance made sure to remind VanVleet of his lasting legacy in Toronto, giving him a loud ovation during the second quarter.
#Raptors give Fred VanVleet a shoutout for his franchise record 54-point game.
Huge applause, VanVleet himself has no reaction though 😂 pic.twitter.com/S4G7tgq39b
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) December 22, 2024
The 30-year-old was a bit surprised by the spectators’ enthusiasm for the Raptors’ abysmal 7-22 start to the 2024-25 campaign.
“This crowd… I mean, given the season that you guys are having. For them to be out there, cheering, and still showing up on a nightly basis, this is a special place for basketball,” VanVleet told reporters.
“That’s just a blessing, something I never take for granted.”
After signing a few autographs, Fred VanVleet is immediately hugged by Chris Boucher. All smiles for the former #Raptors teammates 😊 pic.twitter.com/2plYN6HM25
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) December 22, 2024
Signing with the Raptors as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and helping Toronto claim their first NBA title in 2019, VanVleet also expressed his gratitude for the city he called home for seven seasons.
“This place is a special place for me. I always think about what it means to me and my family, but I never think of what I mean to other people until I get here,” he added.
Averaging 4.3 rebounds and over six assists per game, VanVleet appears to be in the prime of his career. The veteran’s insight has also proven invaluable for his Houston teammates.
After the game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka called the player “another coach on the floor, adding that “he’s been valuable to the process for the young guys, the perfect fit for what we’re looking for.”
Rockets coach Ime Udoka calls Fred VanVleet “another coach on the floor.”
“He’s been valuable to the process for the young guys, the perfect fit for what we’re looking for.” pic.twitter.com/pa4SM60uHM
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) December 22, 2024
With another loss in the books, the Raptors now find themselves in 14th place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
They’ll look to find their footing tonight against the New York Knicks.