Raptors: Where does Fred VanVleet rank among East point guards?

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 16: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives on LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

10. Dennis Schroder, Boston Celtics

Schroder is coming off of perhaps the worst season of his career and a major bag-fumbling after leaving the Lakers, but he is just a year removed from almost winning Sixth Man of the Year. Boston should help him get back on the right track.

9. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo has the privilege of leapfrogging older brother Lonzo on this list, as the Rookie of the Year gave Charlotte the juice, pizzazz, and scoring punch they needed. Having said that, a sophomore slump could be coming for Ball if he doesn’t keep improving.

8. Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers

Averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists per game on 45% shooting shouldn’t fly under the radar, but Brodgon’s borderline All-Star production managed to do just that. If Rick Carlisle gets Indiana back to the postseason, the NBA world will know Brogdon’s name.

7. Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors

For all of the concerns about his shooting percentages, VanVleet is one of the best two-way guards in the game today. With a year of increased volume and production, VanVleet might have all the tools needed to get Toronto to the postseason.

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6. Kemba Walker, New York Knicks

Kemba’s down year last season made it tough to put him over VanVleet, but if 19 points and five assists per game as a third scoring option represents a down year, that bodes well for Walker. Returning to his hometown in New York, Kemba will get plenty of shots as the Robin to Julius Randle’s Batman.