Houston Rockets Fred VanVleet Elected as New President of National Basketball Players Association
One man’s term comes to an end, and another one’s begins. Houston Rockets Fred VanVleet has been elected as the new President of the National Basketball Players Association, succeeding CJ McCollum. Therefore, VanVleet will now be in this new leadership position for about half a decade.
Shams Charania broke the news about the election of Houston’s Fred VanVleet stating,
“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.
McCollum’s four-year term expired and he will now serve in an advisory position. Major new union role for VanVleet, the 2019 NBA champion who has signed multiple deals that have set records for the highest paid undrafted player ever in the league.”
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the mission of the National Basketball Players Association is to protect and advance the rights of players. Since… they are the game.
This union for players was extremely important because as the NBPA website mentions,
“Before the union’s inception, NBA players did not receive the wide-ranging privileges and protections that exist today. There was no pension plan, no per diem, no minimum wage, no health benefits and the average player salary was $8,000. It was not until 1964, when the NBA All-Star team threatened not to play in the first televised All-Star Game, that the players gained their first victory.
As a result of the resolve of the union’s early leaders, including NBA Hall of Famers Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn and Oscar Robertson, the owners finally recognized the NBPA as the exclusive, certified labor union representation of all NBA players. Since then, there have been dramatic changes, and the NBPA continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing challenges facing NBA players.”
Houston Rockets Fred VanVleet Elected as New President of National Basketball Players Association
So then, what duties will Fred have to take care during his tenure? The President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) leads the union in advocating for the rights and interests of NBA players. This includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), prosecuting grievances, and counseling players on benefits and career opportunities. They also work to improve player compensation, benefits, and overall working conditions.
So then, lots to do and oversee. Nevertheless, in regards to VanVleet; Fred is an excellent choice since he went from undrafted out of college to NBA champion and now he is one of the key voices for every player in the league. Fred possesses career experiences that will no doubt be useful to him in fair decision making. During his era we’re sure the CBA and 2nd Apron will be reviewed and addressed. But for now, congratulations to Fred on this appointment. We’re excited to see him take on this role.
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