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Toronto Raptors: Ranking Raptors players in 2018-19

By Jordan Fleguel

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors – OG Anunoby (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors – OG Anunoby (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

#6 OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby started 62 games last season as a rookie, largely due to the fact he was the team’s best perimeter defender from the moment he walked on the court at training camp.

Anunoby’s physical gifts were easy to see, but no one predicted that he’d integrate seamlessly into the Raptors rotation so early on.

Anunoby was given tough defensive assignments night after night, and he frustrated elite wing players into bad shots and turnovers with his discipline and athleticism.  Dwane Casey was able to leave Anunoby on the floor for long stretches because not only did he defend well, but he understood his role on offense.

Anunoby isn’t a great shooter, but he was good enough to keep the floor spaced for Lowry and DeRozan last year.  He has good instincts for a young player, and knows how and when to cut to the basket from the weak-side.

Whether he played with the starters or the bench, Anunoby could be counted on to run the floor and work hard, without playing outside of his abilities – which is a trap that rookies who are given starting jobs often fall into.

That said, Anunoby has a long way to go.  He has lots to learn and much to improve on, mainly on the offensive end.

If only the Raptors had a player like Anunoby who could help him along the way.  It would be great if they had a player who, in their rookie year, joined a successful team as a defensive minded small forward that developed into an elite offensive force over time, eventually winning an NBA championship.  What was that guy’s name who played for the Spurs?  Kawhi something?

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