Raptors: 3 reasons Fred VanVleet should be an All-Star

2. Fred VanVleet is a master scorer and distributor for the Toronto Raptors

Fred VanVleet is both scoring for himself and creating chances for his teammates

Part of what makes VanVleet so amazing is the fact that he is consistently affecting the game in so many ways despite his diminutive size and average athletic ability. VanVleet ranks fifth among Eastern Conference shooting guards in rebounding, while his 6.5 assists per game are the best out of any shooting guard in the conference. Given how Kyle Lowry has missed time with injury, VanVleet has often had to wear two hats in Toronto, playing the role of both a lead scoring guard and a facilitator that runs point. Naturally, he’s handled this with maturity and aplomb as he has in his entire career up until this juncture.

While the Raptors have been an inconsistent team, save for a few very nice performances, their perimeter offense hasn’t been the main contributor to that. The reason that has been able to stand strong amid such chaos is the fact that VanVleet’s efficient passing and clutch shooting had propelled the Raptors’ offensive attack. Considering how the likes of Terence Davis, Paul Watson, and struggling rookie Malachi Flynn would be in line for possessions at point guard without him, there is a tremendous weight on VanVleet’s shoulders. Rather than shrink, he’s excelled, putting together the best numbers he’s ever compiled.