Fred VanVleet’s journey from an undrafted free agent to an NBA star is one of the most inspiring stories in modern basketball. His career with the Toronto Raptors has been marked by his relentless drive, gritty performances, and his ability to perform in clutch moments. Over the years, VanVleet has not only established himself as one of the most reliable point guards in the NBA but also as the heart and soul of the Raptors’ franchise.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Fred VanVleet’s stats throughout his career with the Raptors, analyze his impact on the team’s success, and explore the factors that have contributed to his rise. Additionally, we will break down key aspects of his game, including his offensive and defensive stats, and examine how his performance has evolved over time.
Early Years: The Underdog’s Beginning
Fred VanVleet was born on February 25, 1994, in Rockford, Illinois. He played college basketball at Wichita State University, where he had an outstanding career. However, despite his impressive college resume, VanVleet went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. It was a harsh reality for a player who had led his team to a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament and earned multiple accolades.
The Toronto Raptors took a chance on him, signing VanVleet to a partially guaranteed contract for the 2016-2017 season. He made an immediate impact with the Raptors’ G-League affiliate, the Raptors 905, earning All-G League honors before getting called up to the NBA team. VanVleet’s determination, work ethic, and basketball IQ quickly earned him minutes on the Raptors’ roster.
Fred VanVleet’s Stats: Career Overview
Fred VanVleet’s regular season stats with the Toronto Raptors have been impressive and consistent. Over his years with the team, he has steadily increased his scoring, assists, and overall contributions. Below is a breakdown of his key career stats with the Raptors, as of the latest available data.
Points Per Game (PPG)
One of the most important metrics in any player’s statistical profile is their scoring ability. Fred VanVleet’s scoring numbers have steadily increased since he became a starter for the Raptors during the 2018-2019 season.
2016-2017: 4.3 PPG
2017-2018: 8.6 PPG
2018-2019: 11.0 PPG
2019-2020: 17.6 PPG
2020-2021: 19.6 PPG
2021-2022: 20.3 PPG
2022-2023: 19.6 PPG
VanVleet’s scoring average reached a new high in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons. This was largely due to his increased role on offense and his ability to be the primary ball handler and scorer for the Raptors, especially in the absence of key players or during injury stretches.
Assists Per Game (APG)
VanVleet’s ability to facilitate plays and create opportunities for his teammates is one of the most underrated aspects of his game. As a point guard, his assist numbers have been consistently strong, and he has become a reliable playmaker for the Raptors.
2016-2017: 1.6 APG
2017-2018: 3.2 APG
2018-2019: 4.6 APG
2019-2020: 6.3 APG
2020-2021: 6.3 APG
2021-2022: 6.6 APG
2022-2023: 7.2 APG
VanVleet has become known for his ability to create for others, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. His vision and decision-making in transition also stand out, as he is capable of making quick decisions that lead to open shots for his teammates. His assist numbers reflect his growth as a leader and floor general.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
For a point guard, VanVleet’s rebounding numbers are particularly impressive. His 6’1” frame does not deter him from battling on the boards, and he consistently ranks among the top for rebounds on his team.
2016-2017: 1.9 RPG
2017-2018: 2.5 RPG
2018-2019: 3.0 RPG
2019-2020: 4.2 RPG
2020-2021: 4.4 RPG
2021-2022: 4.4 RPG
2022-2023: 4.1 RPG
VanVleet’s ability to contribute on the boards is one of the key reasons why he is considered a well-rounded point guard. His hustle and tenacity allow him to collect rebounds, especially on the defensive end, which can help push the Raptors’ fast breaks.
Steals Per Game (SPG)
One of VanVleet’s standout qualities is his defensive prowess, particularly his ability to create turnovers. His active hands and quickness make him a menace on the defensive end, where he has often been tasked with guarding some of the best opposing point guards.
2016-2017: 0.9 SPG
2017-2018: 1.0 SPG
2018-2019: 1.1 SPG
2019-2020: 1.9 SPG
2020-2021: 1.7 SPG
2021-2022: 1.7 SPG
2022-2023: 1.8 SPG
VanVleet’s defensive stats are often overlooked, but his ability to pick pockets and defend at a high level has earned him recognition as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders. His steals per game reflect his aggressiveness and impact on that side of the ball.
Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
While Fred VanVleet is primarily known as a perimeter shooter, his field goal percentage is solid for a player who takes on so much offensive responsibility. His ability to score inside and outside the arc has been a critical asset for the Raptors.
2016-2017: 41.3% FG
2017-2018: 41.7% FG
2018-2019: 41.6% FG
2019-2020: 41.9% FG
2020-2021: 41.5% FG
2021-2022: 41.4% FG
2022-2023: 40.0% FG
VanVleet’s field goal percentage has remained relatively consistent over the years, despite his increased role in the offense. His shooting efficiency from inside the arc and his ability to stretch the floor make him a versatile scoring threat.
Three-Point Percentage (3P%)
Fred VanVleet is known for his ability to shoot from beyond the arc, and his three-point shooting is one of his most valuable assets. Over the years, his three-point percentage has been solid, and he’s often relied upon to knock down clutch shots from deep.
2016-2017: 37.0% 3P
2017-2018: 36.6% 3P
2018-2019: 37.0% 3P
2019-2020: 41.3% 3P
2020-2021: 39.9% 3P
2021-2022: 37.3% 3P
2022-2023: 34.9% 3P
VanVleet’s three-point shooting is a critical part of the Raptors’ offense, as he is often one of the team’s primary outside threats. His ability to shoot from range, even under pressure, makes him a valuable floor spacer and scoring option for the Raptors.
Impact on the Raptors’ Success
Fred VanVleet has played a crucial role in the Raptors’ successes over the years, especially in their 2019 NBA Championship run. His impact goes beyond statistics, as he has been a clutch performer and a key player in some of the most memorable moments in Raptors’ history.
2019 NBA Finals Performance: VanVleet’s performance in the 2019 NBA Finals was one of the defining moments of his career. He played a key role in the Raptors’ victory over the Golden State Warriors, especially in the latter games of the series. VanVleet hit crucial three-pointers during the Finals, including some of the most important shots in Game 6, which helped the Raptors secure their first-ever NBA Championship.
Leadership and Locker Room Presence: Beyond his on-court contributions, VanVleet has also proven to be a leader in the Raptors’ locker room. His work ethic, resilience, and confidence have made him a natural leader for the team. As the Raptors look to build for the future, VanVleet’s leadership will be pivotal in developing the team’s young talent.
Fred VanVleet: A Statistical Leader and a Cultural Icon
Fred VanVleet’s career with the Toronto Raptors has solidified his place as one of the most important players in the franchise’s history. His stats reflect his growth from an underdog player to a true NBA star. But it is his leadership, resilience, and clutch performances that make him truly unique.
From a statistical standpoint, VanVleet has become one of the premier point guards in the NBA, consistently contributing across the board in scoring, playmaking, and defense. His evolution as a player has been remarkable, and as he continues to develop, the Raptors will rely heavily on him to continue leading the team toward future success. Fred VanVleet is not just a player to watch for his stats, he is a player who embodies the Raptors’ spirit of resilience, determination, and greatness.
FAQs
What was Fred VanVleet’s performance during the 2019 NBA Finals?
VanVleet had a remarkable performance during the 2019 NBA Finals, where the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA Championship. He played a pivotal role in the series, particularly in Game 4, where he scored 11 points in the final 6 minutes, including hitting some crucial 3-pointers. His clutch shooting helped the Raptors secure their championship victory over the Golden State Warriors.
How does Fred VanVleet impact the Raptors’ defense?
VanVleet is known for his aggressive defense and ability to disrupt opponents. His perimeter defense is particularly strong, and he’s often tasked with guarding some of the opposing team’s best backcourt players. His quick hands and ability to read passing lanes have helped him become a consistent source of steals for the Raptors.
Is Fred VanVleet under contract with the Raptors?
Yes, as of March 2025, Fred VanVleet is still under contract with the Toronto Raptors. He signed a four-year, $85 million extension in 2020, which kept him with the team through the 2023-2024 season, and with ongoing contract discussions for future years.
How does Fred VanVleet compare to other NBA point guards?
Fred VanVleet ranks among the top point guards in the league due to his unique combination of scoring, playmaking, and defense. His ability to shoot from deep range, his leadership on and off the court, and his experience as a clutch performer in high-pressure moments set him apart from other point guards.
What’s Fred VanVleet’s 3-point shooting percentage this season?
In the 2024-2025 season, Fred VanVleet is shooting 37.2% from three-point range, making him one of the more reliable shooters from deep on the Raptors’ roster. His ability to stretch the floor helps create opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
In Summary
Fred VanVleet has cemented himself as one of the most impactful players in Toronto Raptors history. From going undrafted in 2016 to becoming an NBA champion and an All-Star, his journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and skill. His ability to lead, score, and defend makes him a crucial part of the Raptors’ success.
As he continues to perform at a high level, fans eagerly watch his contributions to the team’s future. Whether it’s his clutch shooting, playmaking, or defensive prowess, VanVleet remains a cornerstone of the Raptors’ franchise. Keep following his stats and performances to see how he continues to shape the game.
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