Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential

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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 7: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential: Fred VanVleet

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet is still on the rise and it’s been quite a journey for him to earn to his first All-Star trip. He’s sneaky old for someone who didn’t even start a game until the 2018-19 season, however, capping his future potential.

VanVleet is in the midst of his best season as a pro. His 21.6 points per game is a new high for his career. His 40.1 percent three-point shooting is his best since becoming a starter and he’s sinking four three-pointers per game.

The Raptors have been resurgent after a difficult season and their star guard is a big reason why. He’s shouldering a bigger load than ever for the team, leading the NBA with 38.4 minutes per game. His 6.1 win shares rank 18th in the league.

Toronto expects VanVleet to remain an All-Star caliber player in the coming seasons. The team inked him to a four-year, $85 million extension at the start of the 2020-21 season. The last of the four seasons is a player option, but it’s structured to be the highest salary of any of the four years, so it’s hard to imagine the undrafted guard will pass it up.

VanVleet also isn’t as young as many might suspect. The guard will turn 28 years old before the end of this month. He may be part of the team’s core, but he can’t be a focal point of the team’s plans beyond his contract.

VanVleet probably has at least one more All-Star appearance in him. But it’s hard to imagine him being on an upwards trajectory long-term at this point of his career.