Fred VanVleet (PG)
Preseason Ranking: 103
2017-18 Ranking: 155
Average Pick: 118.0
Owned: 59%
If it were not for Lou Williams, VanVleet may have become the second Raptor to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. VanVleet finished last season averaging 8.6 points and 3.2 assists playing just under 20 minutes a game.
Most impressively, VanVleet had a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio and despite shooting just 42.6 per cent, was one of the most efficient players in the season. He also added 0.9 steals per game.
His projected ranking estimates that he will be even better this season and improve on his 2017-18 stats. While he might indeed play more and put up more points, assists, and steals, this could also come at the expense of his efficiency.
If this happens, VanVleet’s ranking won’t change much from where he finished last season at 155. It can also get worse if he is hampered by injury and loses more playing time to Delon Wright or even Kyle Lowry.
While it’s nice to take VanVleet with the optimism he’ll be better, 103 is a tad too high for him. Players agree as they are drafting him 15 spots lower. Be patient with VanVleet.
Verdict: Overrated