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Raptors leap of faith in No. 23 “OG Anunoby”

By FS Staff

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: OG Anunoby
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: OG Anunoby /
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With the NBA season fast approaching, OG Anunoby gives Raptors fans a glimpse of what to expect this upcoming season.

According to ESPN.com, OG Anunoby scored only 2 points on 1 for 5 shooting in Wednesday night’s match with the Detroit Pistons. While his stats were not impressive, what dazzled us and sent the Raptors crowd into a frenzy, was his ability to drive hard to the net, all while making difficult passes through traffic. One of those dishes went to an open Valanciunas for an easy uncontested slam.

At six-foot-seven, 235-pounds and a 7-foot-2 wingspan, OG will be a physical presence on the court. His exceptional footwork and explosive first step allow the rookie to get to the rim with ease, drawing fouls or spotting the open shooter. His skills could complement the addition of C.J. Miles and prove to be a lethal combo.

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby reacts after being drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby reacts after being drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

There’s a spot for a defensive wing man

This summer the Raptors cleared some cap space by dumping swingmen P.J. Tucker, Patrick Patterson, and DeMarre Carrol. They will look to OG, a former Indiana star, to become a lockdown defender in key situations. Watch for him to progress throughout the season as his minutes increase.

Coach Casey is confident that the organization made the right choice in drafting OG. The young man brings a certain type of swagger to the Raptors organization. More importantly he looks confident with the ball. Casey even went as far as to say that he “a top-10 pick.”

“Defensively, he’s one of the top defenders in the draft, one of those guys you don’t have to say giddy-up to. He’s ready to go right from the start. We’re excited to get him. He fits into how we want to play.”

BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby talks to the media after being selected 23rd overall at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby talks to the media after being selected 23rd overall at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Verdict

With the season right around the corner, Raptors fans don’t have to worry about another draft bust. The era of Primo Pasta commercials and draft picks who were “two years away from being two years away” as Fran Franschilla once opined about Bruno Caboclo, are long gone.

If the 19-year old manages to stay healthy, you can expect good things for the Raptors.

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