Predicting the 2020-2021 Toronto Raptors starting lineup

Toronto Raptors starting Small Forward – OG Anunoby

A player who doesn’t have a bag full of emotions, certainly has it full of potential. OG Anunoby is not only the team’s best defender, but he is also one of the best on-ball defenders in the league.

But defense is far from being his only great ability on the court. His development on offense is slowly starting to show and he has shown glimpses of it in the bubble. There was the introduction of his spin move. A move that worked on several occasions earlier in the bubble, but later became too predictable — the Celtics were prepared for it each and every time OG was driving in their series. His handles also looked much better and it has helped him get to the rim easier, leading to high percentage chances.

With high percentage chances, comes high efficiency. For OG Anunoby, he’s had himself his most efficient year last season. He shot 64 percent around the rim and 38 percent from three. Resulting in an effective field goal rate of 58 percent, albeit on low volume — Anunoby had 8.2 field goal attempts per game.

That’s the next step in Anunoby’s career. With Ibaka gone, someone is going to have to take the shots Ibaka would usually take. OG Anunoby is growing, and Nick Nurse will be looking to add that extra responsibility on Anunoby’s shoulders.

That’s how Anunoby’s role will differ from last season. We will see more of the 32 point performances (OG’s career-high) as the one he had against Denver last season. Anunoby will turn into a serious option on offense now and will serve more than just being a spot-up three-point shooter and cutter.

Don’t be surprised if OG Anunoby reaches into his bag and has his breakout season this year.