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The Raptors Have a third-string Point Guard Problem

By Lucas Richards

Oct 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) moves the ball against San Lorenzo during the fourth quarter at Rogers Centre. Raptors won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) moves the ball against San Lorenzo during the fourth quarter at Rogers Centre. Raptors won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Kyle Lowry out until the playoffs, the Toronto Raptors have being giving extended minutes to 3rd string PG Delon Wright. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet had proved his worth before Wright’s return from injury.

The Raptors have a decision to make. It isn’t crucial to the current success of the team, and it’s not going to change our title chances. Nevertheless, the Raptors have to make a choice between undrafted signee Fred VanVleet and former first round pick Delon Wright. With Lowry out for the rest of the regular season, one of them will get backup minutes. The Raptors will need to choose between the two.

Feb 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum (5) and Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) chase a loose ball in the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum (5) and Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) chase a loose ball in the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Argument for Delon Wright

Wright is an incredibly lanky PG (6’5”, with a 6’7” wingspan) who could become a difference-maker defensively at his peak. The recent game against the Charlotte Hornets is a great example of this as he repeatedly got into passing lanes, which led to 2 steals. His talent on that end is undeniable and that will put him in Dwane Casey’s good books for the foreseeable future.

While Wright is gifted defensively, his offensive game could use some work. One asset he has is his driving ability. He is able to get to the rim at will against most NBA point guards and his finishing in the paint has been great so far (75% within 3 feet). His highlights against the Indiana Pacers last year prove that. One thing that is hard to ignore though is his lack of range. He took 3 shots from beyond the arc against Portland and looked extremely uncomfortable on each one. In his career, he’s only shooting 33.3% from three, but that is just through 31 games. At 24 years old, I am not sure there is a whole lot of room to grow for Delon. What we see now from him may be pretty close to the finished product.

Jan 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) controls a ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 102-86. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) controls a ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 102-86. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Argument for Fred VanVleet

While Delon Wright was on the shelf with a significant shoulder injury, Fred VanVleet stepped in and played himself into a legitimate NBA career. He played so well that Casey felt comfortable benching Corey Joseph for a couple of games (who has since responded incredibly). VanVleet is a game manager. He’s not going to athletically rip shreds through a defence like Wright will, but he’ll pick it apart slowly.

As a successful 4-year senior with the Wichita State Shockers, he proved time and time again that his basketball IQ was second to none. Now in his rookie season, he is showing that the mental aspect of the NBA hasn’t passed him by. So far in his NBA career (21 games), he has only 4 turnovers compared to 18 assists. Along with that he can shoot from deep exceptionally (38.9% this season). He showed all the great aspects of his game in our loss to the Orlando Magic on Feb.3. Those are some peak Jose Calderon numbers. As I mentioned earlier, like Calderon, he is great at moving the ball with intelligence.

There is a reason VanVleet went undrafted though. He is small, even by point guard standards. While size is one of Delon Wright’s biggest strengths, VanVleet is only 6’0”, with a 6’2” wingspan. He’s not going to beat you in a race either. This becomes a problem on the defensive end, especially against much bigger and more athletic guards. Again, his intelligence helps make him competitive, but often it isn’t enough.

Final Ruling

It might just be my love for the underdog, but I truly believe that Fred VanVleet will be a significant role player on the Raptors for a long time. Wright is talented, and more athletically gifted than VanVleet, but VanVleet understands the game better. He picks his spots and does so correctly. In our game against the Knicks last night, he brought a tremendous amount of energy when called upon. In today’s NBA it is crucial to have guards that can spread the floor, and VanVleet does that much better than Wright.

Delon Wright is under team control for the next two years, it would make a lot of sense to trade him for a solid return. With a little bit of Masai Ujiri magic, the Raptors could get decent return, preferably in future picks. This will also aid in our much needed cap relief. Honestly, the Raptors can’t really make a wrong decision here because both players have solid potential, but I think Fred VanVleet will fit the team just a tiny bit better than Delon Wright.

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