Toronto Raptors: 3 players who must improve on offense quickly

1. Fred VanVleet

VanVleet’s distribution ability is beyond reproach, as his 17 assists against the Bulls have helped him average 8.8 per game in his first four appearances. Where he has struggled is shooting the ball, as the efficiency numbers are actually worse than the 39.6% clip he put up last year.

VanVleet’s scoring has dropped from 19.6 points per game last year to 14.5 so far. He is shooting just 36.7% from the field and 22% from 3-point range. The nastiest number relates to his turnovers, as he is averaging 4.5 per game while coming off a contest against Chicago in which he turned the ball over eight times.

Fred VanVleet must show the Toronto Raptors his shooting will improve.

VanVleet has shown in the Boston game that he can get his mid-range jumper working to contribute on offense when the 3-ball isn’t falling, and he has made real strides as a passer this season. That shouldn’t erase the fact that someone with star potential is struggling with turnovers to a shocking degree and missing 3-pointers at an alarming clip.

If any one of these players will turn things around, it’s Fred VanVleet, who was given a four-year contract due to his ability to get out of slumps like this and lead the team. Toronto just needs to hope that the breakout game comes soon, as losing even more on this homestand would be completely catastrophic.