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Toronto Raptors: Ranking the projected starting lineup for 2021

By William Konken

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 11: The Toronto Raptors teammates Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors and OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors react during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 11: The Toronto Raptors teammates Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors and OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors react during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Fred VanVleet – Toronto Raptors (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Fred VanVleet – Toronto Raptors (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

3. Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet got his payday. Always bet on yourself.

VanVleet will continue to provide a ton to the Raptors’ starting lineup: leadership, hustle, tough defense, and 3-point shooting. Steady Freddy lives up to his name – a constant that delivers composure and resilience. The rest of the team feeds off his positive energy, especially the starters.

Proving people wrong is what Fred VanVleet does. For this reason, I believe Fred will live up to his contract and increase his numbers, even by a smidgen (around 19.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists per game). At the very least, he should produce around the same as last year (17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game).

VanVleet knows how to conduct Nick Nurse’s offensive and defensive schemes, as well as spearhead the competitive mentality of a winning franchise. Fred also meshes well with the other starters. He should have increased pick and roll opportunities with Baynes, Siakam, and Anunoby. VanVleet’s 3-point shooting will most likely be consistent – though – he needs to work on his shot creation in other ways, and areas of the court, to keep the defense guessing.

I predict another year of progression for VanVleet, with the continual improvement of his leadership, basketball skill, and overall production.

Remember to always bet on yourself.

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