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Raptors' Fred VanVleet named Eastern Conference player of the week

It's been a week of firsts for Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.

An incredible week which included VanVleet's first career triple-double culminated in his first-ever nomination as the Eastern Conference's player of the week.

Amid a career year and a strong All-Star campaign, the 27-year-old averaged 30.3 points, 6.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds from Jan. 3 to Jan. 9.

VanVleet led the Raptors to a perfect 4-0 record during that period, including impressive wins against contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz, to lift Toronto to a record above .500 at 20-17.

Fred VanVleet has been named the Eastern Conference player of the week. (Getty)
Fred VanVleet has been named the Eastern Conference player of the week. (Getty)

VanVleet shares the honour with Memphis Grizzlies young star Ja Morant, who earned the title of player of the week in the West.

Signed as an undrafted free agent back in 2016, VanVleet has taken over as a team leader on and off the court in the absence of Kyle Lowry. He leads the Raptors in points, assists and minutes per game this season.

VanVleet currently sits at 10th place in All-Star voting among Eastern Conference guards.

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