Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet was named to his first All-Star Game on Thursday as an Eastern Conference reserve, marking yet another remarkable milestone in his improbable NBA rise.
VanVleet became just the fourth undrafted player in league history to earn an All-Star spot, joining John Starks, Brad Miller, and Ben Wallace. He elaborated on what his latest accolade meant to him following the Raptors' 127-120 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls.
"Proud, humbled, and honored … just thankful to be in this position," VanVleet said of his All-Star nod, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange.
VanVleet entered Thursday's game averaging 21.5 points, seven assists, and 4.7 rebounds, all career highs. The Wichita State product has excelled at taking the leadership reigns from franchise great Kyle Lowry, who departed Toronto to join the Miami Heat this past offseason.
After hearing the news of VanVleet's All-Star berth, Lowry struggled to contain his excitement.
"Shout out to Fred VanVleet, my young buck. All-Star," Lowry remarked, courtesy of Sportsnet's Faizal Khamisa.
VanVleet was quick to reciprocate the admiration.
"He showed me the blueprint, from day 1. I wanted to be better than him. I still want to be better than him," VanVleet said of Lowry, according to The Athletic's Eric Koreen. "I'm still chasing him and his greatness."
This season's All-Star Game takes place on Feb. 20 in Cleveland.
