HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 29: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Toyota Center on January 29, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Video: Rockets' Fred VanVleet Honored by Raptors With Tribute in Return to Toronto

Julia StumbaughFeb 9, 2024

Fred VanVleet had an emotional reunion with Raptors fans ahead of the Houston Rockets' Friday night game in Toronto.

The Raptors played a tribute video honoring VanVleet, who played a key part in Toronto's run to the 2019 NBA title before he left for the Rockets in free agency last offseason.

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After the tribute played in Scotiabank Arena, VanVleet earned a standing ovation from his old home crowd.

VanVleet was also busy before the game signing jerseys and signs welcoming him back to Toronto.

VanVleet left the Raptors as the all-time record holder for assists (20) and points (54) in a single game, but the moment Raptors fans might remember best from his seven seasons in Toronto is his 22 points on June 13, 2019 in the title-clinching Game 6 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

This season VanVleet, in the first season of the three-year, $128 million deal he signed with the Rockets, is averaging 16.5 points and 8.2 assists per game.