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Toronto Raptors: Five things to watch for during summer league

By Mike Bossetti

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Pascal Siakam #43 and Alfonzo McKinnie #34 of the Toronto Raptors wait for a rebound during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Pascal Siakam #43 and Alfonzo McKinnie #34 of the Toronto Raptors wait for a rebound during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA -APRIL 17: OG Anunoby
TORONTO, CANADA -APRIL 17: OG Anunoby /

OG Anunoby in a high volume role

With apologies to Malcolm Miller and Alfonzo McKinnie, OG Anunoby is far and away the best player on the Raptors Summer League roster. Anunoby started 62 games for the 59-win Toronto Raptors last season, and after an impressive season, will look to dominate summer league this year.

This year will be Anunoby’s first, and almost certainly only, Summer League, after he was forced to miss last year’s while recovering from a torn ACL suffered at Indiana.

The most exciting part of OG Anunoby playing in summer league, is seeing how he fares in an expanded role for the first time of his professional career. Being drafted to a competitive team, the focus of Anunoby’s rookie season was efficiency, not volume.

For the first time in a Raptors uniform, OG will be given the leeway and opportunities that most rookies are given from day-one. The opportunity to stretch your skill-set and push slightly beyond what you’re currently capable of can be a helpful experience for any young player.

The easiest comparison is Jaylen Brown from last season. After a successful rookie season, Brown viewed the Summer League as a challenge and a chance to explore his game with a freedom that was not available during the regular season.

Of course, just because he is taking the same steps as Jaylen Brown doesn’t mean he will develop quite as rapidly, but it’s something Toronto is hoping for.

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