One of the building blocks for the Toronto Raptors was Fred VanVleet, who spent seven seasons with the team.
VanVleet went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft and Toronto took a gamble by signing him and it paid off. He was a key piece during the Raptors championship run in 2019.
VanVleet then hit free agency this past offseason after the Raptors got eliminated in the Play-In Tournament. VanVleet would sign a three-year, $128.5 million contract with the Houston Rockets.
At Rockets Media Day, VanVleet opened up about leaving Toronto this summer:
Fred VanVleet on the hardest person to tell regarding the decision to sign with Houston
“ Probably Masai, just making that call and having that conversation but those guys are family…”
(Via @SportsTalk790 ) pic.twitter.com/TNBoDpMh4H
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) October 4, 2023
It was probably hard to say goodbye to the place he spent the last seven years of his life with, however with Houston offering him a max contract, it was tough for VanVleet to pass up on that.
Throughout his time in Toronto, the 6’1″ guard played a total of 417 games.
After VanVleet signed with the Rockets, the Raptors found his replacement by signing former Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder. The Raptors signed Schroder to a two-year, $26 million contract.
While VanVleet is a better scorer, Schroder shows similarities with being a small, crafty and tenacious guard, who can fit the Raptors system.
However, Pascal Siakam still leads the charge for the franchise, accompanied with O.G. Anunoby and Scottie Barnes. But, time may be ticking with this core as VanVleet was the first to exit.
Schroder is ready to embrace whatever role the Raptors give him
The Raptors are now heading into the 2023-24 season with a new head coach and new starting point guard.
It has been up in the air, in terms of if Schroder or Barnes with start at point guard.
However, it seems that the former Laker is ready to embrace whatever role is given to him, whether that be starting or coming off the bench.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
