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Fred VanVleet comments after taking over as the new NBPA President, succeeding CJ McCollum

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Pocholo Magsino | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 6:00 AM ET

After four years as the president of the National Basketball Players Association, CJ McCollum has left the role. Now, Fred VanVleet of the Houston Rockets has taken over as the new NBPA president.

Fred VanVleet has always been one of the most respected players in the league. He went from an undrafted player to becoming a key cog in the Toronto Raptors‘ 2019 championship. Aside from that, VanVleet developed into a leader for the Raptors and the Houston Rockets.

Now, he will take that leadership to become the primary representative for his peers. He is now the president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), succeeding CJ McCollum. The new Washington Wizards guard will stay around the NBPA, serving as an advisor.

This marks the end of McCollum’s unpopular tenure. The biggest headliner from his tenure was the collective bargaining agreement, which had the second apron.

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

VanVleet will be a refreshing president for the NBA

VanVleet comes into 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 the tipping point for most, as they think the second apron has hurt the NBA.

It is unknown what VanVleet will do, but he will be in the role for the next four years. He could introduce new concepts, but he will likely continue the plans put forth by the previous leaders. VanVleet is ready to assume his role immediately, which is good for the long-term future.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has been elected as the new President of the National Basketball Players Association, succeeding CJ McCollum, sources tell ESPN. VanVleet begins a four-year term as the next NBPA leader. pic.twitter.com/Ghl3kcjg3m
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2025

“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 his 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.”

VanVleet brings his respected leadership to the NBPA

While most people know him for his on-court performances, VanVleet has become a respected leader. He is a veteran on the Rockets team that was the second seed in the West in the 2024-25 season. Kevin Durant has joined him as another veteran leader. However, that Rockets team would not have been as successful if they had not had VanVleet.

CJ McCollumpic.twitter.com/aOVLMa67ev https://t.co/VzpQfYjnmS
— Automatic (@automaticnba) July 12, 2025

Now, VanVleet is looking to bring that leadership to the NBPA. He is not alone, as he has many vice presidents, including Grant Williams, Donovan Mitchell, and more. Alongside McCollum as an advisor, this new presidency should go well.

This will not affect VanVleet’s play on the court, as he knows how to balance his roles. He is highly regarded among his peers. The experience playing in the NBA and the NBA G-League will be valuable. He will advocate for every player from superstars to G-League players, which is a huge positive.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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