Raptors’ Fred VanVleet commits to All-Star Three-Point Contest

The Toronto Raptors were able to get some representation in the All-Star game once again this season, as Fred VanVleet beat out several talented guards in the East. He was named just the fourth undrafted player (and the first since 2006) to be given this exclusive honor.

One of the main reasons that VanVleet, who is averaging 21.6 points and 7.2 assists per game this season, has been able to reach this upper tier has been his 3-point shooting. On a team that is deficient in that area, VanVleet’s skills stand out. He’s nearly doubled his 2018-19 points per game average of 11.0 thanks to this.

The league is still trying to finalize which players will put their skills to the test in the NBA’s Three-Point Contest. Undaunted, as he always is, by the prospect of going up against the best of the best, VanVleet has officially thrown his name into the ring and made himself available.

According to Shams Charania, VanVleet has committed to participating in the Three-Point Contest in Cleveland. Considering how dominant VanVleet has been from 3-point range this season, he might be a dark horse candidate to take home the victory if he finds his stroke.

Will Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet win the Three-Point Contest?

The only player in the league averaging more made 3-pointers per game than VanVleet this season is Stephen Curry. While connecting on 39% of his attempts while bombing just under 10 3-pointers per contest, VanVleet has the efficiency and volume needed to designate himself as an elite shooter.

VanVleet’s shooting has come through in the clutch time and time again for the Raptors this season. From the 20-point quarter against the Jazz to his game-winner against the 76ers in Philadelphia, VanVleet’s rock-solid shooting has given this offense a robust, solid floor.

Curry earned his second Three-Point Contest win in last year’s All-Star game, and he could defend his title this season. VanVleet would become the second Raptors player to take home the Three-Point Contest crown, as Jason Kapono won the second of his back-to-back crowns in 2008.

Raptors fans have seen that VanVleet has evolved from a slightly above-average shooter to a knockdown threat from deep that can flip the balance of a given game.

While the relative brevity of the shootout might make it tough for his skills to be shown off to the highest extent, he’s got as good a shot as anyone when it comes to taking home the top prize.