Raptors' VanVleet continues to defy the odds with record night
The odds that Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet would make it to the NBA were small. High school ball in Rockford, Illinois. College ball at Wichita State. A 6-foot-1 undrafted guard in 2016.
The odds that VanVleet would play an integral role on an NBA championship team and even receive one vote for Finals MVP were even smaller.
And the odds that VanVleet would become one of the top free agents in 2020 were yet even smaller.
Even VanVleet acknowledged just a few months ago, “I've been against the odds my whole life.”
But VanVleet did what talented, successful players often do: he bet on himself.
That's exactly what he tweeted – “Bet on yourself” – hours after no team selected him in the 2016.
He kept betting on himself and kept cashing in.
Fresh off signing a four-year, $85 million deal with the Raptors before the 2020-21 season began, VanVleet established a Raptors single-game scoring record Tuesday night, passing DeMar DeRozan with a career-high 54 points in Toronto's 123-108 victory against Orlando.
He also set a record for most points by an undrafted player in the common draft era (1966 and after), surpassing Moses Malone's 53 points on Feb. 2, 1982, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
“I'm very humbled and honored to be in the same sentence as both of those guys – just a special night a on a lot of different levels," VanVleet said.
After he made his first shot, he said, "I just tried to keep my foot on the gas.”
It was an efficient 54, too, with VanVleet making 17-of-23 shots, including 11-of-14 3-pointers and he went 9-of-9 and from the foul line. He made five 3-pointers in the first quarter, three in the second quarter and had 28 points in the first half.
“It wasn't forced for him. Everything was in rhythm and in the flow of the game,” veteran Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said.
VanVleet's story is one of talent, hard work and perseverance and a lesson to anyone who wants to succeed.
“You can't put into the words the amount of work he put in it,” Lowry said.
VanVleet's path and personality have made him a fan favorite and a favorite in the Raptors locker room. Lowry had a triple-double Tuesday and all he wanted to do was talk about VanVleet.
“You all know how I feel about him,” Lowry said. “That's my little brother. I'm proud of him.”
DeRozan, who now plays for the San Antonio Spurs but spent two seasons with VanVleet in Toronto, FaceTimed with VanVleet and congratulated him after the game.
VanVleet's humility was also on display following the game.
“You play with a pure heart, a clear conscience and a clear soul, good things happen for you,” he said.
VanVleet's star really began to burn bright in the 2019 playoffs and in NBA Finals against Golden State. VanVleet averaged 14 points and shot 40% on 3s against the Warriors. He played outstanding defense and had 22 points (15 on 3-pointers) in Toronto's seriesclinching Game 6 victory.
Kawhi Leonard was named MVP but analyst and former NBA coach Hubie Brown gave his vote to VanVleet.
This past offseason, Raptors president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster were adamant VanVleet was their top offseason priority.
They rewarded VanVleet for everything he had done and will do for the franchise. Not sure they figured he would go for 50-plus and a franchise record. His previous high was 36 points.
Lowry made sure to snag the game ball on VanVleet's special night. Fifty-four points. What are the odds?