Twitter Reaction: VanVleet's bet on himself pays off in big way

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetNovember 21, 2020 - 3:57pm

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet celebrates with teammates in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Minneapolis. (Andy Clayton-King/AP)

Sportsnet’s Michael Grange confirmed that the scrappy, undrafted guard has agreed to a four-year deal worth $85 million to remain with the only NBA franchise he’s ever known.

https://t.co/Py2RbwXPbJ

— Fred VanVleet (@FredVanVleet) November 21, 2020

On Twitter, people around the NBA chimed in on VanVleet’s rise from humble beginnings to a mega contract, congratulating him for “betting on himself.” VanVleet’s backcourt mate, Kyle Lowry, was among the first to share his excitement. Here’s all the best social media reaction to the news.

Nothing but love for @FredVanVleet from @Klow7 pic.twitter.com/pfn3n51sei

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 21, 2020

Of all the dudes to get excited about receiving a big pay day, Fred VanVleet is at or near the top. From undrafted to $85 million. FVV bet on himself. And won big. Now has a championship ring & generational wealth.

— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) November 21, 2020

VanVleet told teams in 2016 not to take him in the second round because he'd rather bet on himself as an undrafted FA.

He's now set to earn more than every FIRST-round pick from then except for six:

– Simmons (1)
– Ingram* (2)
– Jaylen (3)
– Hield (6)
– Murray (7)
– Siakam (27)

— Jonathan Soveta (@eighteenyards) November 21, 2020

#Raptors to reportedly re-sign Fred VanVleet to a 4-year, $85M contract.

He averaged a career-high 17.6 points last season, the most by any undrafted player since Mike James in 2005-06 (also with Toronto). #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/azahRscejj

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) November 21, 2020

Fred VanVleet was born to be a Raptor.

— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) November 21, 2020

Fred VanVleet after re-signing with the Raptors pic.twitter.com/R3htBT6n3D

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) November 21, 2020

Congrats bro. Love to see it. Keep being you! #B$Y @FredVanVleet @Raptors

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 21, 2020

Fred VanVleet's number was always likely to come in around Malcolm Brogdon's deal — and always likely to come from Toronto. He's come to embody the team's player development culture in going from an undrafted free agent to a franchise cornerstone.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) November 21, 2020

VanVleet is now the highest-paid undrafted NBA player in the league.

— Joshua Howe (@Howevolution) November 21, 2020

Happy for that man!!! Small guards got GAME too!!! https://t.co/4UjkCcnHJP

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) November 21, 2020

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