Four years after being president of the National Basketball Players Association, CJ McCollum left the role. Currently, Fred Vanbeat of the Houston Rockets is taking over as the new NBPA president.
Fred Vanvriet has always been one of the most respected players in the league. He went from being an undrafted player to a key cog in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 Championship. Separately, Vanvleet has evolved into the leaders of the Raptors and Houston Rockets.
Now he takes that leadership and becomes a major representative of his fellow members. He is currently president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which will take over CJ McCollum. The new Washington Wizards Guard will stay around the NBPA and serve as advisors.
This marks the end of McCollum’s unpopular tenure. The biggest headliner from his tenure was the collective bargaining agreement, which had a second apron.
Vanvleet gets caught up in his role as a refreshing figure. Most people in the NBA community can agree that McCollum was not the most popular person during his tenure. The new CBA was a turning point for most people, as they believe the second apron hurt the NBA.
It is unclear what Vanvleet will do, but he will play a role for the next four years. He was able to introduce new concepts, but could continue the plans presented by previous leaders. Vanvleet is ready to immediately assume his role. This is good for the long term future.
“It is a truly honorable to be elected president of the NBPA by my peers and I look forward to continuing to defend the greatest interests of all of our members,” Vanvleet said in his statement.
“I am committed to this role to a fitting passion, dignity and dedication as I have a deep appreciation for the complexities and challenges that players face at all levels of my NBA journey.”
Most people know him for his on-court performances, but Vanvriet has become a respected leader. He is a veteran of the Rockets team, who was the second seed in the West from 2024-25. Kevin Durant added him as another veteran leader. But the Rockets team would not have been that successful if they hadn’t had Van Vleet.
Currently, Vanvleet aims to bring that leadership to the NBPA. He’s not alone, as there are many vice presidents, such as Grant Williams and Donovan Mitchell. Alongside McCollum as an advisor, this new presidency should do well.
This will not affect Vanvleet’s court play, as he knows how to balance his roles. He is highly regarded among his peers. Experience in the NBA and NBA G League is worth it. He defends every player from superstars to G-League players, which is very positive.