3 Raptors who must step up as offensive struggles continue

1. Fred VanVleet

While this may seem like piling on, the Raptors simply need more out of VanVleet if they want to escape the hole they have dug for themselves. When VanVleet can’t lead this team to wins against the Magic, that should be enough to set off alarms in Toronto.

VanVleet’s scoring has increased, as he’s put up 19 points in three straight games, but his efficiency remains below average. A November 11 loss to Oklahoma City was the last time he shot over 40% in a game. Toronto’s half-court struggles are due, in large part, to his ineffectiveness. Fred is fed up with this play.

Fred VanVleet must help turn the Toronto Raptors around.

Is VanVleet going to overcome this? In all likelihood, yes. An All-Star guard who has missed out on the All-Defensive team by the skin of his teeth multiple times is not going to shoot 36% all year long. However, the Raptors can’t just keep running the same vanilla scheme and hoping things magically get fixed.

The Raptors were carried by VanVleet when Siakam was inactive last year, and the Raptors are begging for that player to return in the team’s hour of need. If he does, Toronto might be able to dust themselves off and actually make a hearty postseason charge.