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Toronto Raptors: Fred VanVleet is the best NBA player no one knows

By Nicholas Gonzalez

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls defends during to the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls defends during to the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet is quietly have a sensational season, and not many even know his name. He’s the best NBA player no one knows

First off, setting the guidelines for this, the “best player no one knows about” is a tag I am making based on assumption. Obviously, I do not have any polling data to show how many people do and do not know of Fred VanVleet, but I am sure most do not.

Now let’s get in to how good he has been.

At face value, Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has been no short of amazing. Averaging eight points, three assists and two rebounds per game on 43 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range.

Those numbers may not jump off the state sheet, but it should be noted that VanVleet is doing all this while playing less than 20 minutes per game. That’s really, really impressive.

He’s also been solid on the defensive end, tallying already 1.1 defensive win shares during his small playing time. He also has a sub 100 defensive rating, which is good for third on the team.

If anything, he’s proven that he can be a player in this league. His 3.15 assist to turnover ratio is also the best on the team. He takes care of the basketball and makes smart decisions when it’s in his hands. For such a young player, that’s invaluable.

He’s also catapulted Toronto to numerous wins. He’s dropped just about 20 points three times this month, and the stats tell you he is a direct contributor to when Toronto wins and loses.

https://twitter.com/ByNickGonzalez/status/958003214363844614

VanVleet has gotten better every month of the season. Specifically, in the month of January, VanVleet is averaging 12 points and three rebounds per game on 52 percent shooting from the field and 52 percent from 3-point range.

It’s come to the point where the Raptors need to actively search for more minutes for their young backup point guard.

Must Read: NBA Trade Rumors: 4 teams who should trade for Avery Bradley

Toronto’s Fred VanVleet might be the best kept secret in the Eastern Conference. If he keeps playing at this level, though, he won’t be a secret for long.

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