If the Toronto Raptors are going to send anyone to the All-Star game this year, Fred VanVleet may be the most likely candidate. With Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby both missing some serious game time due to injuries, VanVleet has helped keep this Raptors attack firing on all cylinders.
VanVleet was tasked with the gargantuan undertaking of replacing Kyle Lowry following his move to the Miami Heat. Not only has VanVleet been able to keep a young, inexperienced team fighting for a playoff spot, but he’s done so while playing the best basketball of his career.
The Raptors may find it difficult to get one of their stars to Cleveland for the 2022 All-Star game. Not only will they have to overcome an average record, but their best option for the game in VanVleet will need to beat out dozens of qualified guards in the suddenly deep Eastern Conference.
Not only has VanVleet been the engine that has driven this Raptors team, but he’s done so while putting up some numbers that look like misprints. These stats show that VanVleet is having his best season ever and deserves All-Star consideration.
Toronto Raptors: These 3 stats show Fred VanVleet must be an All-Star.
3. Scoring and Efficiency.
VanVleet did a ton of good things last season, but he wasn’t the most effective finisher at times. His field goal percentage both inside and behind the arc plummeted. Luckily, VanVleet looks much more confident on that end of the floor this year, as proven by his improved stats in this area.
VanVleet’s 19.8 points per game are a slight improvement over last year’s average. His field goal percentage is up from 39% last year to 44% in 2021-22. His 3-point percentage leaped from 36% to 39%. VanVleet is not only the primary creator for the Raptors, but he’s amassing the best statistical numbers he’s ever put up.
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has improved as a scorer.
VanVleet’s assists and steals numbers are right on par with what he was doing over the last few seasons, and his rebounds per game average of 5.0 is also a career-best for him. VanVleet is doing this while leading the league in minutes per game and shouldering a major workload on both ends.
With some fans simply scouting box scores when voting for the All-Star team, VanVleet has often gotten the short end of the stick. Now that he’s continuing his improvement by putting together the best statistical year of his career, that should wake up legions of casual fans and get him a few more votes.