JUST NOW: Raptors Pay Tribute to Former Star Fred VanVleet of the Rockets as He Returns to Toronto

Fred VanVleet made his way back to Toronto, where the Raptors accorded their former All-Star guard a homecoming, despite his injury keeping him out of the game.

Seven days ago, everything seemed strange to Fred VanVleet. On February 2, he assisted the Houston Rockets in defeating the Toronto Raptors 135-106 inside the Toyota Center. VanVleet also faced the Raptors as an opponent for the first time in his professional career.

Houston lost 107-104 in their rematch with the Rockets and Raptors on Friday night. VanVleet’s left adductor strain prevented him from playing. But this was VanVleet’s first visit at Scotiabank Arena since he left in July.

VanVleet admitted to Inside the Rockets prior to the trip that he had no idea what to anticipate. During the morning shootaround, the Raptors honored one of their greatest players in club history from the moment he arrived.

VanVleet stated, “I was obviously excited about making the trip.” “Seeing some friends and spending time at some of my favorite spots was enjoyable. Without a doubt, one of my favorite cities in the world is Toronto.

“I assumed that not playing would not affect me negatively. I know my body, and I’ve played wounded enough throughout my career. I had arguments with the trainers, but it was pointless for me to play. That was fine with me up until this point. I feel a little depressed. Overall though, I’m glad to be here.”

A “Welcome Back Champ” sign from the Raptors welcomed VanVleet outside the arena. At 7:38 in the first quarter, during the Rockets’ first timeout, VanVleet was shown a tribute film and given a standing ovation.

The franchise VanVleet called home after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2016 is not the Raptors. Only three players—Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher, and Jakob Poeltl—were part of VanVleet’s squad the previous year. From their roster from the 2019 title, Boucher is the only one still active.

VanVleet, though, might have been the Raptors’ most significant player over the previous five seasons, barring Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

He was selected as an All-Star (2022), making him the eighth player in franchise history to do so. However, he played a crucial part in the franchise’s lone title victory.

VanVleet averaged 14.0 points on 45.4 percent shooting from the field and 2.2 assists in 32.4 minutes of action throughout the six-game series against the Golden State Warriors.

“I lived there for a number of years,” VanVleet remarked. “There is so much history in that building now that I’m back.” However, everything good has an end. The chapter about the time period I was a part of ended. I’ve started a new one, and I’m looking forward to what is ahead for them too.”

Over 417 career games with the Raptors, the 6-foot-0 guard averaged 14.6 points on 40.2 percent shooting from the field, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. VanVleet is sixth all-time in club scoring history with 6,090 points total. Second all-time in 3-point field goals made (2,684) and third in assists (2,199).