Fred VanVleet Archives - New Hip Hop News

Ime Udoka Says Fred VanVleet Was A “Better Fit” Than James Harden For Rockets

October 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As part of a profile on Jalen Green, Ime Udoka has explained why he shot down talk of bringing James Haren back to Houston. “Nothing against James but Fred [VanVleet] is just a better fit. I coached James in Brooklyn. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around. The words ‘Ime doesn’t want James’ never came out of my mouth. It was, ‘Let’s look at the best fit.’ If we want Jalen and the young guys to take the next steps, we need them to have the ball. As for me saying I don’t want James, that was never the case. It was about fit,” Udoka told ESPN.

The talk of Harden potentially reuniting with Houston burned fast and fierce at the start of the offseason. However, the rumors were cut off by Houston, Harden re-signed with the Sixers and pushed for a trade to the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Rockets gave huge contracts to VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to serve as veteran leadership for the Rockets’ developing core.

Harden Attends Training Camp

Meanwhile, James Harden has appeared at the Sixers training camp. There was speculation as to whether he would be sitting out as the team refused to trade him. However, he was present and participating earlier this week. However, the league is holding its breath for the other shoe to drop. Harden is expected to be disruptive at camp, a tactic he has used in the past to force trades out of unfavorable situations.

Elsewhere, GM Daryl Morey called for patience from fans. “Look, I mean, things need to play out. We feel strongly we have a winning team. We have a team that can win and make a lot of noise in the playoffs. I understand we need to prove that, but teams emerge. You go into last season and say a Miami and Denver were not even in the top three of teams that people thought could make the Finals. Look, we have a lot of questions to answer. Obviously, James is the big one. Coach talked about battles at different positions. But we feel we have the pieces,” Morey said earlier this week at media day.

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Drake Trolls Fred VanVleet With “Guangdong Dragons” Joke

July 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Drake joked that Fred VanVleet is headed to the Guangdong Dragons after the former Toronto Raptors star agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets. He did so while commenting on a farewell Instagram post from the former NBA champion.

“My look alike…the love is forever thank you for your character and your contributions over the years the city will never forget!!! Good luck with everything on the Guangdong Dragons……..I mean the Rockets,” Drake said. In response, VanVleet told him to “relax.”

Drake & Fred VanVleet During A Raptors’ Game

TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 21: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high-fives rapper Drake during game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on May 21, 2019, in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

As for VanVleet’s original message, he wrote: “Words can’t do justice to how thankful I am to the city that watched me grow from a young kid praying for a chance to a NBA CHAMPION, All-Star, and a father of 3! I am forever indebted to the franchise that gave me a shot when no one else would. We built things together that can never be broken, and accomplished things that will stand forever. I went from the fans not knowing who I was, to fan favorite, to most hated and I’m thankful for every second of it. To the city, franchise, and country that watched me grow every step of the way – THANK YOU.” Check out the full post below.

VanVleet signed with the Raptors after going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. After playing with the team’s G League affiliate, VanVleet eventually became one of the most important players on the roster. He made his first NBA All-Star Game in 2022.

Drake Trolls Fred VanVleet

The move for the Rockets comes after they brought in Ime Udoka to be their next head coach. It’s Udoka’s first position since his infamous departure from the Boston Celtics, last year

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Houston Rockets Linked With Massive Contract For Fred VanVleet

June 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The Houston Rockets have become the frontrunners to sign Fred VanVleet when free agency opens on June 30. The 29-year-old guard is coming off a down season for the Raptors, where he shot 39.3% and scored 19.3 points per game. It’s the second time in the past three seasons that VanVleet has played at least 50 games and shot below 40%. Subsequently, the Raptors went 41-41 and did not progress past the Play-In Tournament. This led to the firing of head coach Nick Nurse and a rumored rebuild in Toronto.

However, that has not stopped the Rockets from pursuing their chase for the guard. Having picked up one of the Thompson Brothers in the draft, their third top-five pick in the last three years, the Rockets are looking to bring some veteran talent to help lead the team. They have been heavily linked with a reunion with James Harden, but are also eyeing a massive contract for the career Raptor too.

Rockets’ Offer For VanVleet Rumored At $83.6M Over 2 Years

My NBA free agency latest: https://t.co/jLtpyIUFsv

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2023

Per Marc Stein, the Rockets reportedly want to snag VanVleet with a 2-year, $83.6 million contract. By comparison, VanVleet made $85 million over four years in his most recent contract with the Raptors. Evidently, the Rockets are hoping that VanVleet’s 2022-23 campaign was merely a blip and that the guard can return to his All-Star form from the season prior. Furthermore, Stein indicates that the Rockets may turn their attention to Boston’s Jaylen Brown if they can’t acquire Harden or VanVleet.

The VanVleet pursuit comes as the Rockets look to turn the corner on their reboot under new head coach Ime Udoka. With the addition of 2023 first-rounder Armen Thompson, the Rockets have a young, strong Big Three. However, the team is very much lacking in the way of meaningful depth and impact veterans. Despite this, the rumored offer is a lock of money to throw at a guy coming off one of the worst years of this career. Furthermore, it was also the most games that VanVleet has started in a season, making it all the more worrying if his numbers persist. What do you think about this rumor? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Radio Host Says Drake No-Show to Blame for Raptors Loss: ‘That’s On Drake, Really’

April 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Fred VanVleet Goes Off On NBA Referees In Uncensored Rant: Watch

March 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Fred VanVleet has been the backbone of the Toronto Raptors over the past couple of seasons. Overall, he was a large reason why the Raptors were able to win a championship back in 2019. He was the backup to Kyle Lowry, and there were some nights when he lit up the scoreboard. Subsequently, he has become the veteran voice of the Toronto Raptors, who have had some ups and down this season. Over the past few games, their ups and down have been at the mercy of the officials.

Against Denver, there was a situation in which Scottie Barnes was completely tossed from the game. Moreover, last night against the Clippers, the Raptors felt like they got completely hosed. Following the game, VanVleet decided to take to the podium where he went in on the referees. In the video down below, VanVleet made sure to lay it all out there. He ripped into head official Ben Taylor, while additionally giving us lots of profanity. It was an amazing rant that speaks to how frustrated the players are.

Fred VanVleet Doesn’t Hold Back

“I’ll take a fine, I don’t really care. I thought Ben Taylor was f—ing terrible tonight. For most nights, out of the three [officials] there’s one or two that just f— the game up,” VanVleet said. “It’s been like that a couple games in a row. Denver was tough, obviously. You come out tonight competing pretty hard, in the third quarter, I get a bulls—t tech, [it] changes the whole dynamic of the game, changes the whole flow of the game. Furthermore, VanVleet said that the officials are trying too hard to be the stars of the game when the fans just want to see the players.

Overall, this is a rant that is going to get VanVleet fined. However, this is something that needed to be said. NBA officiating has been ridiculous this season, and it is cool to see a player stand up for themselves in this way. Although, it will also be interesting to see how much the league fines him as these are uncharted waters.

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An NBA All-Star Described Drake’s Basketball Skills As ‘Just Old-Man YMCA Game’

January 31, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Drake’s love for sports is well-documented. The Canadian musician has even formed close-knit friendships with some players. The rap superstar is often photographed courtside at some of his favorite basketball teams’ games. He’s given commentary during showdowns or even been the center of the commentary due to his fashion choices. He’s even found himself in a couple of social media spats while defending his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors.

When the entertainer isn’t on the road or working, he runs his own league, Sanctuary Basketball League (SBL). In contrast to rapper J. Cole, the OVO Sound boss’ likelihood of playing at the professional level is highly unlikely due in part to recurring ankle injuries. However, professional basketball player Fred VanVleet believes Drake could never make it in the league because of his lack of skill.

During the shooting guard’s appearance in a video segment from Canadian sports network Sportsnet, when asked about his opinion on rappers with a passion for the game, VanVleet replied, “[J. Cole] can play a little bit. You know what I mean? Not professionally, obviously. Drake is just old-man YMCA game. He just doesn’t move like a basketball player.”

Ironically, as much public support Drake shows the Toronto Raptors, it much hurt to hear their star guard doesn’t have faith in your game.

Usually, the self-proclaimed 6 God is quick to clap back. However, the rapper is still running off a high after celebrating his son Adonis’ 5th birthday.

Meanwhile, other players chimed in, too, like Scottie Barnes, who said of Cole, “He’s actually one of the artists that really knows how to play basketball.”

Lakers Reportedly Interested In These Two Point Guards

January 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

LeBron James and the Lakers are a team in need of some help. With Anthony Davis injured, it has become difficult for the team to make a run. They are stuck at 13th in the Western Conference, however, they remain just 2.5 games out of sixth place, which is kind of remarkable. Overall, they can still make a big splash.

That being said, many are looking toward the Lakers as the trade deadline arrives soon. The trade deadline could be a big deal for the team as there are plenty of teams looking to buy and sell. When it comes to the Lakeshow, they are seen as more of a buyer than anything else.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drive to basket against Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Lakers Want Point Guards

According to reporter Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, there are two point guards that the Lakers are interested in. These two guards are Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry. The Raptors and the former Raptors are highly skilled at their positions and are seen as upgrades over Russell Westbrook.

Additionally, both of these point guards are being put on the trading block. The Raptors know VanVleet can walk at the end of the year. Moreover, the Heat don’t want to pay Lowry anymore. Having said that, both could be the perfect players to trade Westbrook for.

Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat embraces Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors following their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 3, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

The Lakers still have plenty of time to make a decision. Having said that, fans want to win now, and they aren’t going to tolerate another losing season, especially with LeBron at the helm.

Let us know who you think the Lakers should pursue, in the comment down below. Additionally, keep it locked to HNHH for more news from around the NBA.

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Fred VanVleet Was Congratulated By Drake Courtside After Being Named An All-Star

February 3, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The NBA announced its reserves for the 2022 All-Star Game on Thursday evening and, while there is always talk of “snubs” and what went wrong with the selections, it is also a time for celebration. For Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, that was very much the case, as the 27-year-old earned his first selection, earning the nod after a stellar first half of the 2021-22 season. The Raptors were set to take the floor for a home game just as the All-Star picks came down, meaning he had to focus on the task at hand, but that didn’t stop Drake from congratulating VanVleet before tipoff.

Fred VanVleet gets the congrats from @Drake and Adonis, who are sitting courtside tonight. pic.twitter.com/lAkUiGnAXG

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 4, 2022

Even with fans limited, or even non-existent, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Drake has been present in support of the Raptors, and that continues here. The timing also worked quite well, as the game tipped off just moments after the official announcement, and VanVleet (due to alphabetical order) was the last player named by TNT.

In addition to the franchise’s most prominent fan showing love, the Raptors have unleashed a full-fledged campaign for VanVleet, all the way down to a “Freddie All-Star” moniker on the team’s local broadcast. VanVleet has clearly earned the All-Star nod with his play, though, averaging 21.5 points and 7.0 assists per game with impressive defense and three-point shooting (39.1 percent). It is always fun to see a first-time selection rewarded, and VanVleet received quite the congratulatory welcome here.