Raptors campaign to see Fred VanVleet at All-Star Game | NBA

Back in full force (or almost), the Raptors can resume their march forward. On a series of three consecutive victories, the Canadian players thus climbed to 9th place in their conference, finding as a bonus a balanced record (17 wins – 17 losses). Thanks in particular to the exploits of Fred VanVleet.

For three games, the leader has turned 33.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.7 interceptions on average (with only 0.3 loss of ball!). By shooting at 49% with shots, 45% with 3-points and 94% with throws, without going below the 30 units mark. Whether against the Clippers (31), against the Knicks (35) or against the Spurs (33).

 » Since everyone is back, it’s more complicated [pour les défenses adverses] to focus on a single player », Delivered the main interested party, about his recent good performances.  » We have players who can find the shooters, who can be aggressive and I just look for the catch-and-shoot situations because I feel good in this role and these are probably the most shoots. easy for me. So I make sure to capitalize on that. « 

A few more victories to become obvious?

Suffice to say that Fred VanVleet, who had already shone against the Nets (31 points, 9 assists) and the Warriors (27 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists), before entering the health protocol of the league, is in a excellent pass.

And its performances obviously give ideas to Toronto, which hopes to see « FVV » win its very first All-Star Game selection …

 » He’s an All-Star, there’s no doubt about it “, Estimated for example Justin Champagnie, the rookie of the Raptors, also non-drafted.  » What he does is incredible, both for himself and for the team. He’s an important part of our team and he makes sure everyone sees that he deserves to be an All-Star. As for me, objectively, I think he deserves it, because he does his job and he is fun to watch. « 

For his part, Nick Nurse wanted, certainly, a little more measured about the presence of Fred VanVleet in Cleveland, even if he does not think less than Justin Champagnie.

 » I guess we’re gonna have to win more matches [pour qu’il soit All-Star] “, Began the coach of Toronto first.  » But he has to be in the conversation. We’re going to have to climb up the standings a bit, but if we get there, he will certainly deserve it. He’s been in most games this season [31 sur 34 possibles, ndlr] and this is something important. Many players have missed a significant number of games. We know what it brings us. He’s a winner, he brings his leadership, his scoring and he’s a great defender. That’s why he needs to be in the conversation. « 

The competition will be tough …

In the form of his life, however, Fred VanVleet will have to whip to be part of the 12 All-Stars in the East. Because, assuming that DeMar DeRozan is guaranteed to be there and that James Harden or Trae Young are also unlikely to be left out, the leader of the Raptors will have to battle in the « backcourt » with Zach LaVine, Jrue Holiday, Bradley Beal, Jaylen Brown, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland or even Kyle Lowry.

Like every year, there are therefore many candidates for too few places. Even if, unlike Zach LaVine, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown and Kyle Lowry, even Darius Garland and LaMelo Ball, « FVV » has the advantage of having no teammate really likely to overshadow him.

Another advantage, which may work in favor of Fred VanVleet: the fact that all of Toronto is now continuing to campaign for him to become an All-Star, while the team is at the gates of the Top 8 in the East.

 » He’s our main playmaker Nick Nurse added.  » Our attack has always been two-manned, but with the departure of Kyle [Lowry], he had to lead the team more. He plays really well, he does a lot of good things. Not just in scoring or in the organization, because he is a good defender, a good screen setter, a good rebounder and a good manager. He can also finish close to the circle, shoot from 3 points and he develops his game at half distance. He really continues to progress. « 

Note that, if he manages to be elected All-Star this season for the first time in his career, Fred VanVleet would become the fifth non-drafted player to win this honor, since the ABA / NBA merger of 1976. Joining Phil Chenier, Moses Malone, John Starks, Ben Wallace and Brad Miller.