It has been virtually two years since Fred VanVleet final suited up for the Toronto Raptors, however followers have not forgotten its affect on the franchise. This sense, it appears, is mutual.
On Sunday, the Houston Rockets level guard returned to Scotiabank Area, the place his present crew edged the Raptors in a hard-fought 114-110 victory.
Though the house crew fell quick on the scoreboard, the followers in attendance made certain to remind VanVleet of his lasting legacy in Toronto, giving him a loud ovation through the second quarter.
#Raptors congratulate Fred VanVleet on his franchise-record 54-point sport.
Loud applause, however VanVleet himself has no response 😂 pic.twitter.com/S4G7tgq39b
-Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) December 22, 2024
The 30-year-old was slightly shocked by spectators’ enthusiasm for the Raptors’ abysmal 7-22 begin to the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
“This crowd…I imply, given the season you are in. For them to be on the market and cheer and nonetheless present up each night time, it’s a particular place for basketball,” VanVleet instructed reporters.
“It’s only a blessing, one thing I by no means take with no consideration.”
After signing just a few autographs, Fred VanVleet is instantly hugged by Chris Boucher. All smiles for the previous one #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 serving to Toronto win its first NBA title in 2019, VanVleet additionally expressed his gratitude to town he known as house for seven seasons.
“This place is a particular place for me. I at all times take into consideration what it means to me and my household, however I by no means take into consideration what I imply to others till I get right here,” he added.
Averaging 4.3 rebounds and over six assists per sport, VanVleet seems to be in his prime. The veteran’s perception additionally proved invaluable to his Houston teammates.
After the sport, Rockets coach Ime Udoka known as the participant “one other coach on the courtroom, including that “he has been helpful within the course of for the younger guys, the right match for what we’re on the lookout for.” .
Rockets coach Ime Udoka calls Fred VanVleet “one other coach on the courtroom.”
“He was invaluable within the course of for the younger individuals, he suits completely with what we’re on the lookout for.” pic.twitter.com/pa4SM60uHM
-Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) December 22, 2024
With one other defeat on the clock, the Raptors now discover themselves in 14th place within the NBA Jap Convention.
They may look to seek out their footing tonight in opposition to the New York Knicks.
