Toronto Raptors: Who has under/over performed expectations this season?

Fred VanVleet

The leader of the “Bench Mob” and Sixth Man of the Year candidate had high expectations coming into 2018-2019. So far, he’s failed to live up to them.

As a unit, the bench has been terrible this season. FVV is a large reason for that. His 3.6 net-rating is fourth worse on the team (among players who play at least 10 mpg). He led the team with a net-rating of 10.5 last season (among players who play at least 10 mpg).

A big part of Fred VanVleet’s struggles can be attributed to his poor shooting. Coming into the season as an above 40-percent shooter, FVV has struggled from long-range so far this year. Currently, he is shooting under 32-percent from deep, attempting 4.0 threes a game.

One reason VanVleet is struggling with his jumper is his ineffectiveness on catch-and-shoot jumpers. Fred is shooting 32.5-percent on catch-and-shoot attempts this season, after canning greater than 44-percent last season.

His three-point shooting will improve. His shot profile is eerily similar to last season, and with only 68-attempts, we’re a couple of lucky bounces away from this being a non-issue.

His net-rating presents a more significant issue. The bench hasn’t had the same type of production and has been particularly ineffective with FVV at the helm.

With Pascal Siakam in the starting unit and Delon Wright playing poorly, VanVleet has been given more playmaking responsibilities than ever before. His assist numbers are up slightly, but they haven’t taken the type of jump you would expect.

Hopefully, Wright will turn it around but don’t expect Siakam to be back with the bench anytime soon. Fred VanVleet is going to need to increase his playmaking (and shooting), for the bench to be successful.

Fair or not, VanVleet will be tasked with the responsibility of turning the mob around. We will see if he is up to the task.