He managed to establish himself as a prominent role player for the Raptors, playing a pivotal role in Toronto winning its first NBA title in 2019. He even made an All-Star appearance during the 2021-22 campaign after averaging 20.3 points per game.

VanVleet then went on to sign with the Houston Rockets in July 2023, and since then, things have kind of gone downhill for the 31-year-old.

This season, VanVleet is averaging just 14.6 points per game, his lowest output since his third NBA season. What’s more, he owns ugly 38.7/34.4/82.4 shooting splits.

Not that the Wichita State product was ever the most efficient scorer, but his true-shooting percentage of 52.1 percent is his lowest mark since his rookie year, back when he played in just 37 games in a very limited role.

While VanVleet still has his moments of pouring in points in a microwave style, those games are becoming fewer and further between.

Yes, the veteran is still a crucial leader for the Rockets, and his ability to run the offense is significant. But his disappearing three-point shot and subpar efficiency in general is becoming an issue for an upstart Houston ballclub that is hoping to make a playoff run this spring.

VanVleet has actually been sidelined since the beginning of February due to an ankle injury, but he returned this weekend. We’ll see if the Shockers legend can pick it up down the stretch.