Toronto Raptors: Which players will lead each statistical category?
Free-throw percentage
Last year: Delon Wright
Okay, so we all know Delon Wright was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol and, subsequently, only played 40 games for the Toronto Raptors last season, but he still pips VanVleet to the top spot here.
This year, it’s likely that Fred VanVleet takes the cake and runs with it. He’s a deadly shooter from all over the court, knocking down 38-percent of his three-pointers last season, and 84-percent of his free-throws. He has the ability to attack the rim, even at 6-foot, VanVleet’s determination and low center of gravity help him absorb contact while driving to the basket – and that frequently sees him get and-one opportunities.
It helps that VanVleet has a sweet, rhythmic shooting stroke that is instinct at this point. An uncontested free-throw is one of the easiest shots in basketball, especially if you’re a competent shooter.
His volume might increase from 1.8 attempts per game last season. VanVleet featured frequently in the starting lineup last season, starting in 28 games, averaging a free-throw percentage of 90-percent on 2.3 attempts per game, compared to his 76-percent on 1.4 attempts per game off the bench.
If VanVleet can replicate his starter volume and percentage, then he likely wins in this category.