With no Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green for the Toronto Raptors heading into the 2019-20 season they needed some guys to have that next man up mentality, and a handful defiantly did and they exceeded expectations.
The Toronto Raptors are well known for having a deep team for a couple of seasons now, and after losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green people were questioning who would fill their spots.
Well safe to say they have their answer now after watching the Toronto Raptors 2019-20 season and what seeing what players exceeded expectations coming into this season.
With having that next man up mentality and having another year of growth in the NBA lets take a look at some players who exceeded expectations.
3. OG Anunoby – SF/PF – 22 years old
At my number three spot, I have OG Anunoby, and what a season he was having before it came to a complete halt. OG’s season this year compared to last year was a huge boost as he set a new season-high for points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
2019-20 stats – 63 GP – 10.7 PPG – 5.4 RPG – 1.6 APG – .507 FG% – .381 3P% – .686% FT
OG Anunoby has also brought his defensive game to a new level this season as he improved defensively as well. On top of being great defensively and setting new season highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals its safe to say he exceeded expectations this season. With his stellar defense, OG Anunoby has a strong case of being the Toronto Raptors defensive player of the year) on the team (Stats from NBA.com).
Some people were wondering if Anunoby would replace Kawhi as the starting small forward or if the team would just go out and bring in a new starting small forward, but he certainly took the role as he started in 62 of the 63 games, and really solidified himself as a young star who has lots of potential. Being 22 and only three years in the NBA it’s safe to say he has a bright future ahead of himself.