The Toronto Raptors are going to need impressive guard Fred VanVleet to stop up now that the defending champions don’t have reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
The vertically challenged VanVleet was more than up for the task early in his team’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday evening.
Watch here as VenVleet burns multiple Pelicans defenders with the hesitation followed by the And-1.
That’s what VanVleet brings to the table on a near-night basis. He can hit from distance.
But his quickness off the dribble creates major issues for opposing perimeter defenders. Pelicans rookie Nickeil Alexander-Walker fell victim here.
VanVleet put up eight points, two rebounds and two assists on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting in the first quarter alone.