Something every Toronto Raptors player can work on this offseason
By Jeff Borsuk
OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby was believed to be one of the team’s bright up and coming stars going into the last offseason. He had just come off an incredible playoffs performance where he was tasked with the difficult assignments of guarding opponents’ best weapons. As he showed matching up against LeBron James, he was not only fearless but also effective.
This past season, had a rocky start. There appeared to be regression on the court but Anunoby’s real difficulties came in his personal life. Sadly, his father passed away before the start of the campaign. When basketball resumed, Anunoby wasn’t the same lockdown defender nor was he a reliable offensive weapon. There was still a lot of growth needed in his game.
All his playing struggles would have been forgotten if Anunoby had a repeat of his 2018 postseason performance during the Raptors 2019 run. Unfortunately, two days prior to the start of the opening round, Anunoby needed an emergency appendectomy. It was a surgery that lasted three hours and kept him out of playing in the playoffs entirely. Though he was eligible partway through the NBA Finals, Nick Nurse elected to keep Anunoby on the bench.
Anunoby will have to prove himself yet again next season and there are ways to do it. For him, it would be ideal to work together with the 2019 NBA Most Improved Player, Pascal Siakam. Siakam could help Anunoby find his own signature move that will help upgrade his offence. Ideally, this would also assist Anunoby to find ways to create his own shot. He could be very dangerous once he manages to put this all together.