Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from the 2018-19 NBA season

4. Fred VanVleet is a tremendous piece for the future

Not a single player’s game and perception in the 2019 NBA Playoffs had as big of a swing as Fred VanVleet’s. Fans were calling for his exile over the first two rounds, yet were singing his praises and practically built him a statue during the latter half.

Against the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, he simply couldn’t hit anything that left his fingertips. VanVleet shot below 30 percent from the field and a putrid 16 percent from beyond the arc. He was deemed a liability, unable to find the rhythm when his teammates and fanbase needed it most.

How NBA players return from a slump differs for each person. Some simply shoot their way out while others find inner peace. For the undrafted Wichita State point guard, the birth of a son helped clear and re-focus his mind. In return, the basketball gods seemed to put a little extra into his game to make up for lost time.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1140295499288862721

Against the league-best Milwaukee Bucks, the proud new father shot a scorching 57.1 percent from distance on 4.7 attempts per game. In the Finals, he gave Stephen Curry a taste of his own liquid-like touch, with 14.0 points per game and stifling defense against the two-time MVP.

He hit just a single 3-pointer against Philadelphia, yet would rain down 16 total against the Dubs on 40.0 percent shooting. He capped off his newfound game by scoring 22 points in the Game 6 clincher, his highest mark of the postseason that stemmed from a 5-of-11 shooting performance from beyond the arc.

Kyle Lowry’s contract is up after next season. Depending on the free agency decision of Leonard, it may lead him to a new team. With VanVleet on board, confidence bubbling over and all, the Raptors should feel confident in knowing that after these playoffs, the future is set at the point guard position.