The Toronto Raptors are a quietly solid team. Lost in the talks of Scottie Barnes in Rookie of the Year conversations and Pascal Siakam regaining some of his All-Star form is Fred VanVleet. The point guard has been the solid rock of the team, someone the team can rely on in a pinch to bail them out.
It has led some Raptors fans to call Fred VanVleet a deserving All-Star this season. Some may laugh, but an insane stat proves that he at least belongs in that conversation. (via Chris Black)
NBA Players Averaging 20/5/5 This Season:
Durant, LeBron, Curry, Giannis, Jokic, Doncic, Morant, George, Butler, Harden….. and @FredVanVleetToronto Raptors To Average 20/5/5 In Any Season:
Vince? No. Kawhi? No. DeMar? No. Lowry? No.@FredVanVleet (2021-22)#VanVleetAllStar— Chris Black (@DownToBlack) January 1, 2022
The Raptors are in the midst of a rebuild this season, keeping Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam from their championship roster while developing talents like OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr. and prized rookie Scottie Barnes. VanVleet's All-Star caliber play, though, has led this team to some unlikely wins this season, keeping their hopes of a playoff spot alive.
VanVleet initially made a name for himself in the 2018 season, as part of the Raptors' “Bench Mob crew”. The next season, he remained a valuable sixth man, but blossomed in the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals, where his stellar shooting and admirable defense on Stephen Curry helped Toronto win their first championship in franchise history.
Since then, he's been an excellent starting-caliber guard for the Raptors. However, an All-Star berth has eluded him every year, despite his best efforts. Can this be the year he finally makes it into the prestigious All-Star game? If he ups his game more, we might see Fred VanVleet in the ASG this year.
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