Fred VanVleet continues to make his case for being a star in the Raptors’ win over the Bucks

Everyone’s looking at the recent numbers and that makes sense, because what Fred VanVleet has been up to the last few weeks is amazing, something that is rarely seen in the Raptors.

He seems to make every three-point shot he watches, a lethal catch-and-shoot artist who also stops casually in transition and takes down jump shots anytime he pleases. And he loses 30-point nights like he’s shooting in an empty gym against no defenders.

VanVleet, who had hit 18 of 30 triples in his previous three games, drilled another five on Wednesday as the Raptors overcame a horrible first half to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-111 and take their winning streak to four games.

After giving up 77 points, the worst season of the season, in the first half, the Raptors gave up just 11 in the third quarter against a Bucks team playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 33 points, while Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby each had 22. VanVleet finished with 19, the first time in four games that he has scored less than 30.

That exit has sparked conversations about VanVleet’s stellar aspirations. With the first round of fan voting expected to be released on Thursday, a local uproar will break out if you are not among the conference leaders.

But if the conversation is about what makes an All-Star an All-Star, the reason why a certain player should be honored over others for the season he is hosting and the impact he is having on the franchise and the league. , the VanVleet numbers don’t. Don’t tell the whole story.

Yes, they are amazing right now, and maybe only fleeting, but VanVleet should get star consideration because of the total package it represents.

“It’s good to have the veteran veteran that you respect, and Freddy is in that role right now,” Raptors center Khem Birch said. “Once Freddy speaks, we all listen.”

The depth of talent that VanVleet competes against to form its first all-star team is formidable. The roster is limited to 12 players, at least half of whom must be front-line players. Among the backcourt group, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Trae Young, James Harden, Kyle Lowry, Darius Garland and Jrue Holiday are sure to be considered when fans, coaches, players and a select media panel finally decide on the roster of the Eastern Conference later. this month.

Pure numbers would certainly work in VanVleet’s favor, but just as important, so should intangibles. The 27-year-old is indisputably the leader of Toronto and his heart and engine, the Raptors are a good team that is doing well at the moment and it is because VanVleet coerces them and unites them.

“The guys who have that loser mentality, or who have been through some battles to get where they are, or who have really risen to survive some challenges and beat the odds and all those things, those are the ones who will quickly believe in a game plan. and help him execute it and help spread it to the rest of the team and the rest of the locker room, ”Raptors coach Nick Nurse said.

“Winning and his competitive nature are very high… People say that a lot about him, and at times he seems almost frivolous. It sure shouldn’t, because the competitive nature and the desire to win, that’s very, very big and very, very important. That part for me is the most important. It’s great for training. He is tough. He wants to win, he wants to fight. Great for culture. “

Make no mistake, becoming an All-Star is something VanVleet desperately wants, it will be further recognition of his talent and his place in the league. But he will only seek honor by being himself, which is not surprising.

“I will continue to put the team first and win first and see where all those accolades and accomplishments fall,” he told reporters recently. “I don’t think I need to tell you how I feel about myself. I have great teammates, a great coaching staff, a great organization that believes in me. And the fan base has definitely been creating a wave on the internet, for sure. “

That wave can get him to Cleveland for All-Star weekend February 18-20, and it should. But he should be an All-Star not because he validates his touchdown or shot, but because he validates who he is on a deeper level.

“He has an amazing family and knowing how hard he works, and for me to see him grow because we came together, it has been incredible,” said his teammate Pascal Siakam. “I feel like he definitely deserves it and he’s been putting in all the work and the numbers show it and obviously, as a brother, I want him to be there. And, yeah, Raptors fans, do what you do and let’s get it out. “