Before I dive in, I want to clarify that I’m not suggesting Immanuel Quickley’s playing style or player archetype is exactly the same as Fred VanVleet’s. That’s not quite the message I’m trying to convey. But based on my recent viewing and exploring Raptors discussion circles, I see a similarity between IQ’s current situation and how fans viewed Fred VanVleet during some key games as his Raptors tenure came to an end.
Immanuel Quickley’s 2025-26 season averages include 16.3 points on 42.4% shooting, 34.6% from three, 79.1% from the free throw line, along with 4.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 41 starts for the Raptors so far. At first glance, those numbers aren’t terrible — in fact, they’re quite passable in most respects. But it's one thing to interpret metrics, and another to focus on the eye test and in-game assessments to draw conclusions.
And more often than not, this year especially, Immanuel Quickley's decision-making and basketball IQ have been notable dilemmas — particularly since he is the Raptors' lead guard. Not to mention, his undesirable contract that continues to be a major topic of concern.
Immanuel Quickley can be a mixed bag of hope and frustration for Raptors fans
At his core — and at his best — Immanuel Quickley is one of the Raptors' most polished offensive shooting weapons. To maximize IQ on the court, you'd want to see him find his shooting rhythm, get good looks from beyond the arc, run solid pick-and-rolls (which is a bit tougher without Jakob Poeltl), and connect on his signature floaters. But I took grave concern during the Raptors' tilt against the Philadelphia 76ers last week on January 11.
In a razor-close game down the stretch, Immanuel Quickley largely hurt more than he helped at a time when the Raptors couldn’t afford mistakes. Yes, Toronto ultimately won by one point, but during the final moments, it looked like Quickley tried to play hero ball, making some unwise decisions. He took an unwarranted near-logo three in a tied game with about two minutes left — when a smarter play could have been drawn up. Shortly after, he forced a tough off-balance fadeaway shot — far from his best look — but luckily, the Raptors got another possession to tie it.
I can respect IQ’s willingness to step up and try to be the clutch savior. But for the team’s sake, it often seems like he tries to do too much — something that cost him in a rough outing against the Magic a while back — and he forgets there are others who can help. A lot like Fred VanVleet back in the day, huh?
I still remember the countless times I watched FVV during the 2022-23 Raptors season, when he’d try to cut to the paint for a look, only to be met with one or two bigs denying the drive. He’d then dribble out to the perimeter, eating into the shot clock, and either attempt a last-second three or pass out to a less-than-ideal shot. Or if it wasn't that, VanVleet would be convinced to take the first open look — much like IQ does — despite the fact that the point guard should be setting up the best play.
I'll say this: Fred VanVleet is far better defensively than Immanuel Quickley, and at that stage in FVV's career, he was also more refined as a floor general than IQ. However, both players share that frustrating tendency to make questionable decisions at times. It's almost like the Raptors are running out undersized two-guards at the point guard spot. While they can fill that role as decent passers, Toronto has longed for a true point guard since the Kyle Lowry days.
Perhaps a blockbuster trade could bring that upgrade, but for now, they'll have to hope that the PG Quickley venture can turn out for the better.