CHICAGO — Fred VanVleet is putting a rookie season of uncertainty behind him.
The former Auburn High School star, who spent most of his first year with the Toronto Raptors either on the bench or in the NBA’s developmental league, has found himself in a much more stable place in his second season. And that’s largely due to the growth he’s shown on the court.
“It’s confidence and experience,” said ninth-year Raptors guard and three-time all-star DeMar DeRozan after the Raptors beat the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in Chicago. “Last year he was a rookie, but he showed a lot of toughness. This time around, he has that same toughness but with the experience and understanding what the NBA is like, and you see it when he goes out there and plays.”
VanVleet already has played in as many games this season as he did his entire rookie year, and he’s averaging 10 more minutes per game (17.8). He’s also making an impact when he’s on the court.
“The game’s getting slower,” VanVleet said. “I was able to assert myself in college and obviously with every level there’s an adjustment period, and I went through that last year. I was able to find a groove a little bit toward the end of last year and carry that into the summer, put the work in and come back as a better player.”
VanVleet is used to being able to impose his will in a game, which he often did in high school and in college at Wichita State. But the NBA offers the best of the best each night, and VanVleet has been able to make the necessary adjustments to put himself in position to play a key role with a successful Raptors team.
“Not being sure of myself out there last year didn’t feel right,” VanVleet said. “(I was) trying to find my footing and coming in spot minutes here and there and just trying to crack the rotation — having to fight and claw to even make the team.
"Being able to work myself into a spot in the rotation now, I can let my game flow and just go out there and play free, and that’s the biggest thing.”
VanVleet is averaging six points, three assists and a steal per game, and has scored in double figures in his last two — including a 13-point effort Wednesday in the first regular-season game he's played in Chicago. He’s also part of a dynamic backup point guard duo with second-year player Delon Wright, who’s averaging eight points per game and scored 25 against the Bulls.
“We’ve seen it since training camp,” DeRozan said. “The two of them playing together, they bring a dynamic and a toughness and it shows. We love it when they’re out there.”
No one loves to see VanVleet play — and play well — more than his family and friends, and many of them are getting a chance to see him in person this week, with games in Chicago and Milwaukee.
“It’s really cool for me with not being able to get home as much and to have two teams close to home,” VanVleet said. “Everybody is complaining about how cold it is. I’m just happy to be close to home and see family and friends and spend time with the loved ones.”
Adam Kradle: 815-987-1388; akradle@rrstar.com; @AdamJKradle
VanVleet vs. Bucks
On Friday against Milwaukee, Fred VanVleet played 19 minutes, scored 10 points and added three assists and a rebound.