OG Anunoby: performing creative destruction on Raptors plans

The Raptors have created a huge problem for themselves. However, the team’s management is thrilled to have to cope with it – how fast to advance OG Anunoby?

The Raptors took something of a risk with the #23 draft pick this past summer. Ogugua Anunoby, better known as OG, was enjoying a dandy freshman year with the Indiana Hoosiers. Then he landed badly in a game against Penn State and blew out his right knee. He had been projected as a lottery selection, but an injury as serious as his was enough to scare off a bunch of NBA teams.

Masai Ujiri and his scouts must have been pinching themselves when Anunoby was still on the board. They snapped him up, even knowing he wouldn’t be on the court on Day 1. But modern medicine is a remarkable thing. OG’s recovery was faster than expected. He made the team, and then pushed his way into the rotation. Amazing.

Coach Dwane Casey is giving OG every opportunity to turn his considerable potential into actual production. The 20-year-old averages 17.8 minutes of playing time per game [PG], which is a considerable chunk for a still-rehabbing rookie on a winning team. His numbers don’t jump out at you, but what does is his capability for highlight reel plays. While the bucket below against Portland was an eye-popper, I was as much impressed by his pair of steals.

Time to make a move?

In compiling a 4-2 mark so far, the Raptors have enjoyed more pleasant surprises than the other kind. However, one of those disappointments has been the failure of Norman Powell to seize the starting role at the small forward spot. C.J. Miles has had his moments, though I still believe he’s better suited to coming off the bench.

And here’s OG, making a case for himself as a potential starter at the 3-spot much sooner than anyone could have anticipated. What I find particularly appealing about the thought of him taking Norman’s slot is the fact OG made his reputation on defense. He doesn’t strike me as a guy who has to have plays called for him or he’ll sulk (to be clear: I don’t think Norman is a sulker either).

Top scorers among NBA small forwards this season include stalwarts Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Paul George, and serious up-and-comers like Evan Fournier, Andrew Wiggins and Otto Porter. Is it too soon to see if OG can slow some of these gunners down? Maybe, but I’d still like our coach to take the chance.

If OG can put a cramp in the style of one or more of the big names, interesting things start to happen. A team which finds its top scorer bottled up and unable to produce at his usual pace tends to panic on offense. Late-clock desperation heaves become more common, as do strange names attempting 3-balls when their usual range doesn’t extend to the foul line.

Norman can decide

Maybe this most enjoyable problem will resolve itself. Norman might rediscover his shot from beyond the arc, stop dribbling into a wall of defenders (he reminds me of Sonny Weems), and perform the way he’s capable. But if he doesn’t, and OG’s knee is pronounced by the medical gurus to be fully healed, I’d like to see our talented rookie given a chance to hear his name announced in the pre-game sound and fury.

The young man is way ahead of projections. OG is the most intriguing draft pick since Terrence Ross.

The Raptors have created a huge problem for themselves. However, the team’s management is thrilled to have to cope with it – how fast to advance OG Anunoby?

Time to make a move?

Norman can decide

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