Ranking the trade value of each player on the Toronto Raptors

OG Anunoby

After ranking number one last season, OG Anunoby takes a slight dip to the third most valuable trade asset on the Raptors. Part of that can be due to a mini “sophomore slump” he is experiencing. Part of it can be attributed to the value of others rising around him.

OG’s trade value has undoubtedly dropped this season. Last we saw him, he was performing admirably — Note: Certainly not locking up — against the best player in the world. This season has been a rough one.

OG is dealing with personal issues that extend far beyond the realm of basketball. His father died right before the season; it’s impossible to know how that is impacting him on the basketball court.

But what we have seen from OG Anunoby this season, is a slight regression. His shooting percentage has dipped from both inside and outside the arc, he hasn’t improved as a passer, and on the second unit, his defensive impact has been minimized.

Anunoby hasn’t gotten worse as a player. However, he hasn’t adjusted to a bench role as well many had hoped. Offensively, Anunoby is a very dependent talent, meaning he doesn’t set himself or others up for looks very frequently.  He relies on other players to create the action, hoping to cash in on corner jumpers and open cuts to the lane.

When asked to be a low-usage, highly efficient defender, Anunoby thrives. Ask him to be more than that, and you’ll run into issues. That’s a valuable player, but it’s a type of player who is much easier to find than the elite two-way player who can create his own shot.

Anunoby still has plenty of time to develop. He’ll need to do so to keep a ranking this high.