Rockets star takes over at the NBPA: this is the players’ union’s new president

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) on Saturday taking over leadership of the union that represents all NBA players.

VanVleet succeeds C.J. McCollum, who was recently traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Washington Wizards and had served as NBPA president for the past four years.

“Truly an honor”

The 31-year-old VanVleet was elected to a four-year term during the NBPA’s annual meeting, held this year in Las Vegas.

“It’s truly an honor to be elected as President of the NBPA by my peers and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the best interest of all the members,”VanVleet said in a statement.

“With a deep appreciation for the complexities and challenges players face on all levels of their NBA journeys, I am committed to approaching this role with the passion, dignity, and dedication every player deserves.”

Who is Fred VanVleet?

Now entering his 10th NBA season, VanVleet went undrafted in 2016 but carved out a successful career with the Toronto Raptors, winning an NBA championship in 2019.

In 2023, he signed with the Rockets, securing a record-setting deal for an undrafted player - two years, $50 million.

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams will continue as the union’s first vice-president.

The rest of the NBPA’s executive committee includes Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), Garrett Temple (Toronto Raptors), Gabe Vincent (Los Angeles Lakers) and Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks).

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