VanVleet admits 'chemistry didn't click' with young Raptors team

Fred VanVleet is no longer a Toronto Raptor, but that doesn't mean questions about his time in Toronto are going to stop anytime soon.

After Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported that last season the Raptors' veterans — VanVleet and Pascal Siakam especially — were "deeply frustrated with the younger players on the roster," VanVleet addressed the report on The Pivot podcast Friday.

The long-time Raptors guard tried to downplay the whole situation, but did admit last season wasn't the year he was hoping for.

"I think, like anything, it was blown out of proportion, and nowadays if you don't speak to a rumour, it becomes true," VanVleet said. "What I will say is, for a team that had been the fifth seed the year before, it was a letdown for everybody."

Part of the reason for the disappointing season in VanVleet's eyes? A divide between the veterans and new additions.

"There was a mix of guys that had been there, new guys trying to prove themselves, and it didn't work out," VanVleet said. "It wasn't a great fit, for whatever reason the chemistry didn't click, and that's probably the most I can say about that."

He was also quick to point out that there is no beef between him and his former teammates.

"I still have a great relationship with everybody that was there. If there were any issues with me personally, they were never addressed personally."

VanVleet starts a new challenge with a young Houston Rockets team after signing a massive three-year, $130 million contract.

The Rockets struggled mightily last season, finishing with a 22-60 record which was tied for the second-worst mark in the NBA. But that doesn't seem to have deterred the undrafted guard, as VanVleet seems excited about his new opportunity.

"It's a great fit," said VanVleet. "It's a breath of fresh air for me."