The National Basketball Association announced Monday that Fred VanVleet has been named as Eastern Conference Player of the Week (Jan. 3-9) for the first time in his career. VanVleet becomes the 11th player in franchise history to earn the honour, and first since Norman Powell (March 2-8, 2020).
VanVleet led the Raptors to a perfect 4-0 record last week, averaging 30.3 points (sixth in the NBA), 6.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 36.5 minutes. He shot .467 (42-90) from the field, .453 (24-53) from three-point range and a perfect 13-for-13 at the free throw line.
VanVleet started the week with 33 points Jan. 4 vs. San Antonio. He would later record his first career triple-double with a season-best 37 points, career high-tying 10 rebounds and 10 assists Jan. 7 vs. Utah. His 37 points was the most scored in a triple-double in franchise history. VanVleet scored 24 points in the third quarter against the Jazz, falling one point short of tying Pascal Siakam’s franchise record for points in a quarter. His 17 consecutive points in the third was also the longest streak by a Raptor since Morris Peterson scored 17 straight in 2001. VanVleet ended the week with a 32-point performance Jan. 9 vs. New Orleans.
VanVleet was signed by Toronto as an undrafted free agent July 18, 2016. He is averaging career highs of 22.0 points, 6.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 37.5 minutes in 34 games this season.