Raptors: Winners and Losers as first half of 2022-23 season ends

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 11: Fred VanVleet #23 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 11: Fred VanVleet #23 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 2: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Loser: Fred VanVleet

VanVleet has quickly become a very polarizing figure in this fanbase, as his contract situation has more than a few wondering about the validity of trading him for a haul that completely changes the complexion of the roster. He hasn’t exactly shown to be a tremendously efficient player this season, as he is mired in a long drought.

VanVleet may be averaging 18.4 points and 6.3 assists per game this season, but those numbers hide the dirty truth. VanVleet isn’t even making 38% of his shots from the field or 33% of his shots from 3-point range. Toronto is in a perpetual state of waiting for a progression to the mean that never comes.

Fred VanVleet must improve soon for the Toronto Raptors.

VanVleet’s name has been in trade rumors over the last few weeks. On top of the fact that he would get a fairly big haul back in a hypothetical deal while still managing to be able to compete for a postseason spot, VanVleet’s upcoming free agency and contract negotiations could be a thorn in Toronto’s side.

VanVleet has proven he can be a key component of a championship team at his best, but he needs to show that skill more regularly. Turning the offense into a bunch of ill-advised 3-pointers from 30 feet out is not conducive to winning basketball games.