VanVleet impresses in Chicago trip

CHICAGO - Rockford Auburn great Fred VanVleet showed off his improving NBA game in front of dozens of friends, family and local media tonight at the United Center.

The Toronto Raptors knocked off the Bulls, 124-115, behind another command performance from DeMar DeRozan, who scored 35 points. VanVleet though more than did his part as he continues to earn more trust and minutes.

The 5-11 Auburn and Wichita State star scored 13 points in 17 minutes, hitting five of seven shots and both of his free throws. VanVleet entered the game averaging 6.1 points in 17.8 minutes per game. Last year, he averaged 2.9 points in 7.9 minutes per game. Last season, he bounced back and forth between the Raptors and the G League. This year, he's played in every Toronto game.

VanVleet appeared on the Stateline Sports Hour this summer and talked about how he needed to improve his shooting if he was going to earn more playing time. His summer work is paying off. He started out the season making just one of his first 11 shots. With Wednesday's outburst, he's up to 39.3 percent after shooting 35.1 percent in 2016-2017.

VanVleet has one more game left in his Midwest swing. The Raptors play the Bucks Friday night at the Bradley Center and WROK will be there, with myself and Tom Warner scheduled to see VanVleet play.