VanVleet prepared to lead Raptors into the new season

Without Kyle Lowry, it all comes down to Fred VanVleet who would serve a key role in Toronto Raptors chase for the NBA championship this season. The Veteran is ready to lead the exceptionally youthful Raptors group as they gear up to face Washington in its season-opener on Wednesday. Last season the six-foot-one player hit a career-high 19.6 points a night last season and his efforts have already inspired a 20-year-old Scottie Barnes.

Toronto would play their first regular-season match at Scotiabank Arena in 600 days with Goran Dragic making his first home appearance for the team in a deal that saw Lowry to Miami. On Wednesday, they would officially be opening their season and later would be on the road to visit Boston on Friday.