NEW ORLEANS—Fred VanVleet stopped by the makeshift practice facility the Raptors had constructed in a Tampa hotel ballroom a couple of years ago to check out a pre-draft workout that was going on.
It was one of those gang workouts for potential second-round draft picks and possible G Leaguers, young players with big dreams and little publicity, much like he was four years previous.
One kid caught his eye: An undersized, relatively unknown point guard getting by on guile and steadfast self-confidence and a tireless work ethic.
And since that day, the Raptors veteran has had a large measure of respect for an opponent he faced here Wednesday night, six-foot Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado.