Is Fred VanVleet an All-Star? The Historic Undrafted Story

Fred VanVleet is an NBA All-Star, having earned this prestigious honor during the 2021–22 season with the Toronto Raptors.

This selection was a historic milestone, as VanVleet became only the fifth undrafted player in NBA history to receive an All-Star nod and the first since Ben Wallace in 2006. His career is defined by elite leadership, a 2019 NBA championship, and his role as the NBPA President.

Currently a key veteran for the Houston Rockets, VanVleet’s journey from being overlooked in the draft to reaching the league’s summit is a masterclass in professional resilience and self-belief.

The Road to the 2022 NBA All-Star Selection

Earning an All-Star spot is an elite accomplishment for any player, but for Fred VanVleet, it represented the ultimate validation of his “Bet on Yourself” mantra.

During the 2021–22 campaign, VanVleet emerged as the definitive leader of a transitioning Toronto Raptors squad, providing a steadying presence that was described as “day and night” in terms of how the team performed when he was on the floor versus when he sat.

While the fan and player voting did not initially secure him a starting spot, the league’s coaches recognized the immense value he provided beyond traditional box-score statistics.

Coaches’ Recognition of Intangibles

NBA coaches are famously focused on the tactical nuances of the game, and they were the ones who ultimately voted VanVleet onto the reserve list.

They acknowledged his high basketball IQ, his defensive positioning, and the “intangibles” that do not always show up in a highlight reel but lead directly to winning.

For a player who is frequently underestimated due to his stature, this professional recognition from the league’s top minds was a profound statement on his impact.

The Draymond Green Reaction and Alphabetical Suspense

The announcement of the All-Star reserves provided a memorable moment of television drama. As the Eastern Conference reserves were announced in alphabetical order, VanVleet was the final name revealed.

Just seconds before his name was called, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who was providing commentary, blurted out “Miles Bridges?” in anticipation of the final spot.

When Ernie Johnson announced Fred VanVleet instead, Green was visibly surprised, though he quickly recovered to state that the selection was “well deserved” given VanVleet’s performance throughout the season.

Why Being an Undrafted All-Star is Historically Rare

VanVleet’s inclusion in the All-Star game placed him in a nearly exclusive category of professional athletes who bypassed the draft entirely yet reached the pinnacle of the sport.

Since the modern draft era began, the number of players who have successfully navigated this path can be counted on one hand, illustrating the immense barriers to entry for those who are not “chosen” on draft night.

The significance of this list cannot be overstated. VanVleet was the first to break through this barrier in sixteen years, following Ben Wallace’s 2006 selection.

For many fans, seeing “Freddy Allstar” finally recognized brought “tears to their eyes,” as it represented a victory for every player who has ever been told they were too small or too unathletic to compete at the highest level.

Training for the Impossible: The Joe Danforth Years

The toughness that VanVleet displays on an NBA court was forged in the early hours of the morning in Rockford, Illinois. Long before he was an NBA champion, he was a ten-year-old boy subjected to a training regimen that would break many adult athletes.

Under the guidance of his stepfather, Joe Danforth, Fred began a disciplined lifestyle that emphasized work ethic over excuses.

The 5:30 A.M. Weighted Vest Sessions

VanVleet’s days began at 5:30 a.m. when it was still dark outside. By 6:00 a.m., he would be at the local YMCA, engaging in grueling games of full-court one-on-one against his older brother.

To make the sessions even more difficult, he performed these drills while wearing a 30-pound weighted vest. These exercises were designed to build the strength and endurance necessary for a 6’0″ player to eventually drive hard against NBA giants and finish at the rim.

Seven-Story Parking Garage Drills

The training was not limited to the basketball court. Danforth also put VanVleet through intense cardiovascular drills at a seven-story parking garage.

Fred would run up the ramps and flights of stairs while his stepfather screamed instructions and pushed him to find a new gear.

This “dog” mentality and the refusal to be outworked became the foundation of his career, allowing him to eventually dominate at Wichita State and catch the eye of professional scouts despite being overlooked on draft night.

The 2019 Finals: Proving Championship Pedigree

While the All-Star selection was a personal milestone, VanVleet had already cemented his status as a “Finals hero” during the Toronto Raptors’ historic 2019 championship run.

His performance in the playoffs was nothing short of legendary, particularly in the later rounds when he transformed from a backup guard into an essential closer.

His ability to hit clutch three-pointers and provide elite perimeter defense was a primary reason the Raptors were able to secure the title.

Defensive Tenacity and the “Dog” Mentality

One of the most impressive aspects of VanVleet’s play is his willingness to engage in physical play regardless of his opponent’s size.

During the 2019 playoffs, he notably impressed observers with his performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he fought through screens and guarded much larger players with relentless intensity.

This “dog” mentality was a defining characteristic of that championship team’s bench, which featured several future stars who were still developing their game.

Transitioning into the “Lightskin Lowry” Role

As the Raptors roster evolved following the departure of superstars like Kawhi Leonard, VanVleet’s role expanded.

Fans affectionately dubbed him “Lightskin Lowry,” a nod to the fact that he was essentially a younger version of Kyle Lowry—the heart and soul of the franchise.

Like Lowry, VanVleet was a floor general who prioritized winning over individual stats, a trait that the coaching staff valued immensely as they transitioned into a new era of Toronto basketball.

Draft Night and the Philosophy of “Bet on Yourself”

The story of Fred VanVleet cannot be told without highlighting his legendary 2016 draft party. After it became clear he would not be selected in the first round, he chose to decline offers to be drafted in the late second round, where players are often stashed in the minor leagues with minimal pay.

He preferred to go undrafted, which gave him the freedom to choose a team that actually had a roster spot available for him.

The Speech That Defined a Brand

At his draft party, VanVleet stood before his friends and family and delivered a speech that would later define his entire professional brand.

He told the crowd, “My story don’t end here. It’s just the beginning. It wouldn’t really make sense for my story if I did get picked”. He noted that he had been against the odds his whole life and that he didn’t expect that to change just because of a draft.

This moment of supreme self-confidence served as the catalyst for his eventual rise from a $50,000-guarantee rookie to one of the highest-paid guards in the league.

Resilience Through the G-League

VanVleet did not walk straight into an NBA starting lineup. His rookie year involved a constant shuttle between the NBA and the D-League (now the G-League), being assigned and recalled sixteen times.

Rather than viewing this as a demotion, he used the time to refine his game and prove he was “so fucking good” that the Raptors could no longer afford to keep him off the main roster.

This perseverance eventually led to his championship contribution and his 2022 All-Star selection.

Current Status: Leadership and Recovery in Houston

Following his successful tenure in Toronto, VanVleet moved on to the Houston Rockets, where he was brought in to provide championship experience and veteran leadership to a young core.

His role as a mentor has been just as important as his on-court production, as he helps guide the next generation of players through the rigors of an NBA season.

His leadership is also recognized league-wide through his election as the President of the NBPA, where he represents the interests of all professional players.

Overcoming the ACL Setback

The 2025–26 season presented a new challenge for VanVleet as he was forced to sit out the entire year due to a torn ACL.

For a player whose game is built on lateral quickness and defensive positioning, an injury of this magnitude could have been career-ending.

However, true to his established pattern of resilience, he spent the year focused on rehabilitation to prepare for a major comeback.

The 2026-27 Player Option

In a move that signals his commitment to the Houston Rockets and his confidence in his recovery, VanVleet recently opted into his $25 million player option for the 2026–27 season.

This decision ensures that he will remain a central part of the Rockets’ plans as they look to climb the standings in the Western Conference.

His presence in the locker room and his ability to run the offense will be critical as he returns to full strength for the upcoming season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fred VanVleet

Is Fred VanVleet currently an All-Star?

He is a former All-Star, having earned the selection in 2022.

What was Fred VanVleet’s college?

He played for Wichita State, where he led a highly talented roster.

Who were the other undrafted All-Stars?

The list includes John Starks, Brad Miller, Ben Wallace, and Connie Hawkins.

Why did VanVleet go undrafted?

Despite his talent, scouts were concerned about his height (6’0″) and perceived lack of “measurables” compared to other prospects.

What is his role with the NBPA?

He serves as the President of the players’ union, leading negotiations and representing player interests.

Conclusion: What Is Fred VanVleet’s Greatest Career Legacy?

The career of Fred VanVleet is a testament to what happens when talent meets an unbreakable work ethic.

From the 5:30 a.m. weighted vest sessions in Rockford to the bright lights of the NBA All-Star game and the championship stage, he has consistently proven that “Heart not Height” is a winning formula.

As he prepares for his return to the court with the Houston Rockets, his legacy as the league’s ultimate underdog is already secure.