Raptors’ Fred VanVleet is loving getting props for 3-point mastery

The Toronto Raptors are tying their success in the next few years inexorably to the play of Fred VanVleet. While he has always been a solid shooter, the departure of names like Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry forced him to take a more proactive role on the perimeter.

Advanced data proves that VanVleet’s quality from beyond the arc is indeed elite. BBall Index, who helped popularize the LEBRON stat to the world, showed that VanVleet is not only a jaw-dropping shooter, but he’s able to hold his own when paired against anyone else in the league.

The 2021-22 All-Star was ranked as the fourth-best catch-and-shoot 3-point marksman in the NBA, trailing Anfernee Simons, Max Strus, and Luke Kennard. VanVleet also came in third in pull-up 3-point ability behind Mike Conley and Trae Young. It’s nice to see FVV get the recognition he deserves.

VanVleet admitted that he doesn’t know the exact science behind this graph, but he’s happy to see himself rising to the top over so many great scorers. VanVleet urged fans to “just keep working” amid the news that the 6-0 kid from Rockford has become one of the game’s best snipers.

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Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet is an elite shooter.

VanVleet has shot 38% from 3-point range on 7.7 heaves per game. Even though he has attempted close to 10 3-balls per game over the last few seasons, VanVleet has managed to be one of the best shooters in the sport. He made multiple 3-pointers in every game during December and January.

VanVleet might have been better if he didn’t have nagging injuries that made him much less effective on both ends of the floor. On a team that already lacked excellent shooting, VanVleet’s ability to rise up from deep is going to be more important than ever before in 2022-23.

When you come into the NBA at 6-0 and lacking the mind-bending athletic ability that some top prospects have, it’s easy to be pushed aside in favor of players with more bounce. VanVleet knew honing his jumper and making it truly special was his best ticket to stardom.

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While those who look at box scores may pass over VanVleet whenever the best shooters in the league are being discussed, some more advanced analytical numbers show that Fred can hold his own against anyone in the league. That kind of production only adds to the notion that the hopeful lifetime Raptor is criminally underrated.