“I didn't have the front office telling the coaches to play me. I wasn't even signed to a big agency. I didn't have agencies reaching out to reporters on my behalf. And that's the stuff that plays a part in the business of the game, and I didn't have an equal opportunity, until I got my feet in the door. And then I did the rest by myself.”

American professional basketball player

Fred VanVleet is an American professional basketball player in the NBA, and the current president of the National Basketball Players Association. He is known for his leadership on and off the court. VanVleet plays for the Houston Rockets. Beyond his role as a guard, he is recognized for representing fellow players through the NBPA presidency, a position that places him at the center of leaguewide labor and player issues.