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When you take a look around the league, you’ll be bombarded with news surrounding major names, like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, among others. You’ll also see big developments across the NBA, such as Blake Griffin signing with the Brooklyn Nets or LaMelo Ball making a strong case for being this year’s top rookie. But while these teams and players get the most spotlight, there’s a franchise out there that’s flying below the radar. It’s the Toronto Raptors.
Most fans didn’t have any solid reason to be excited about the Raptors this year, especially since their championship core two years ago has almost been dissolved. Everyone’s doubts seemed justified when they started off with a 2-8 record this season, leading people to believe Toronto will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
But starting last month, the Raptors have slowly turned things around to rise through the ranks. From a horrendous 2-8 record last January, the team is now in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 17 wins and 18 losses.
You can look at various factors to the team’s success, like Nick Nurse’s steady leadership or Pascal Siakam getting his act together through these recent stretch of games. But when you take a look at the Raptors’ roster, one name stands out – Fred VanVleet. We take a look down below why NBA card fans should pay more attention to this dynamic guard from up north.
3. VanVleet is getting a lot of hype this season
Toronto’s record does not reflect how VanVleet has been tearing it up all season long. For one, he has been lighting the stat sheet up every night by averaging 20.1 points, 6.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He’s also improving the Raptors’ spacing by hitting 38% of his shots from downtown.
That last stat has been a revelation for Steady Freddy this year, especially during a game against the Orlando Magic last month. In that contest, VanVleet torched the opposing squad by scoring a career-high 54 points, including 11 three-pointers. This feat has placed several accolades to his name, including the most points scored by an undrafted player and the highest scoring output ever in franchise history, among others.
Fred VanVleet has a franchise-record 54 points 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JOJqGK78FV
— ESPN (@espn) February 3, 2021
This one game is just the tip of the iceberg for Fred VanVleet. He is just entering his prime, which promises to deliver more of these stellar performances. As a result, his NBA cards will enjoy a good boost with each great game Steady Freddy plays.
2. Toronto will make the most out of his prime
Speaking of entering one’s prime, you can be sure the Toronto Raptors will make the most out of VanVleet at his peak. Basketball fans can count on the wisdom and experience of Masai Ujiri to create a roster that will utilize Steady Freddy’s talent.
Sure, the Raptors are nowhere near their championship form two years ago. The thing is, they still have more than enough quality pieces to complement Fred VanVleet’s strengths. One is Pascal Siakam, who can still take another leap and be their frontcourt threat. OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, and Terrence Davis are also present to provide quality minutes and high potential on both ends of the floor.
And if those players don’t pan out, Ujiri can work up his magic to reshape the Raptors’ lineup into a contender once again. Don’t forget that this is the man who traded DeMar DeRozan for a year of Kawhi Leonard, which led to Toronto winning its first title. If Ujiri can pull off a move like that, he can do so again in the future.
1. VanVleet is going to Toronto’s main man soon
When you think of the Raptors, you immediately recognize it as Kyle Lowry’s team. While that has been the case for the longest time, there’s a chance VanVleet will inherit his role soon.
As the NBA approaches the trade deadline, there have been a lot of rumors regarding Lowry and his potential departure from the Raptors. Adding fuel to this flame is the recent sale of Lowry’s mansion in Toronto to the tune of $5.1 million.
If Lowry is traded anytime soon, Ujiri will expect to get a package consisting of some young talent or draft picks. In any case, these assets will undoubtedly be maximized to the strengths of Steady Freddy, and to an extent, Siakam. This will give Toronto a new lease on life and help them become a serious contender in the East once again.
Looking at VanVleet’s cards in the market and you’ll discover how scarce they really are. Since he was an undrafted player, FVV doesn’t boast a definitive rookie card from Panini’s major products, such as Prizm, Select, or Optic. There aren’t a lot of inserts either in the market as well. What fans can rely on are parallel cards of VanVleet that are numbered with a low print-run to get their money’s worth.
In any case, the scarcity of Fred VanVleet’s cards will also make his stock more valuable. Keep an eye for this player in card market and grab the first good deal you’ll see. Chances are, Steady Freddy’s value won’t stay steady for too long and it can skyrocket at any point this season.
