MEMPHIS—A second-year guard undrafted out of college and third on the depth chart when the season began has become an integral part of the finishing lineup the Raptors employ.
Fred VanVleet was on the court again in crunch time here Friday night, helping spark a fourth-quarter comeback as Toronto won its fifth straight game, 116-107 over the Memphis Grizzlies.
He’s earned the added responsibility because he possesses all the character traits Toronto coach Dwane Casey holds dear to his heart.
“His toughness, his mental toughness, his ability to shoot the ball, diving on the floor, his defence.