Raptors: Where does OG Anunoby rank among East small forwards?

The Toronto Raptors are lucky to be in possession of one of the absolute best small forwards in the game in OG Anunoby, as his blend of expert spot-up shooting, elite defense at multiple positions, and improving shot creation has made him an indispensable part of the future in Toronto.

Anunoby averaged 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game last year, and considering all of the obstacles that both he and the Raptors had to face in that timespan, he should be commended for his performance.

Anunoby is consistently ranked as one of the most underrated players in the league despite the fact that his play on the field warrants more consideration as truly elite. Even when compared to some of his rivals in the Eastern Conference, Anunoby comes out on top statistically.

For the purposes of this list, we’re ranking the starting small forward for each team. Which players in the East does Anunoby rank ahead of, and which players should he have in his sights as his eyes a breakout season?

Where does Toronto Raptors star OG Anunoby rank among East SFs?

15. Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers

Okoro has the two-way skills to both emulate Anunoby in some respects and rise up this list. However, until he shows a bit more refinement on the offensive end, he has to rank near the bottom of the rankings while remaining on a Cleveland team that may not guarantee him a ton of shots.

14. Saadiq Bey, Detroit Pistons

Bey looks like a keeper after he arrived in Detroit following a draft day trade, as his 3-point marksmanship and solid defense give him a very high floor in this league. Though Cade Cunningham is going to dominate the show, Bey can prove to be a very valuable role player who helps the Pistons flourish.

13. Danny Green, Philadelphia 76ers

Green will never put up the best numbers from a statistical point of view, but he is one of those players that consistently contribute to a winning culture. With Ben Simmons at point guard and either Seth Curry or Tyrese Maxey at shooting guard, Green will be back to his usual 3-and-D stylings on the wing in Philly.

12. TJ Warren, Indiana Pacers

Warren was unable to replicate his tremendous bubble performance due to injury, as he played in just four games all year. While he could find it difficult to end up getting a high volume of shots, Warren’s scoring skill could make it easy for him to help Indiana make the postseason in a wide-open East.

11. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic

Isaac is another player that will need to prove that he can still be as effective post-injury. An improving scorer and lockdown defender, Isaac will be a major part of the playoff team that Orlando hopes to build a few years down the line.

10. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

Expect to see plenty of Kuzma as a small forward this year, as the Wizards need to fit Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant in the lineup. While he drew plenty of criticism for his play in Los Angeles, he was a tertiary scorer on a title team, and he could have his best statistical season in years in Washington.

9. De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks

Hunter was absent during Atlanta’s playoff run, but he is still one of the better young two-way forwards in the entire NBA. While Trae Young and John Collins will be the primary scorers for the Hawks this year, a healthy Hunter can help them prove that their miraculous run to the conference finals wasn’t just a fluke.

8. Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets

Fans who only watched the playoffs may think that Harris stinks, but he is arguably the best 3-point shooter in the NBA as far as efficiency is concerned. With Kevin Durant playing more like a power forward for the Nets due to his height, Brooklyn has every expectation that Harris will regain his old form.

7. RJ Barrett, New York Knicks

After an up-and-down rookie season, Barrett started to look like a No. 3 pick in 2021 as Julius Randle’s sidekick. The Raptors will need to watch this one for the next few years, as his smooth offensive game could make him a thorn in Anunoby’s side.

6. OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors

Anunoby might not have the gaudiest scoring numbers in the world, but his defensive abilities and role on the Raptors should give him the clear edge in this department over players with better points per game averages. A return to the playoffs might be what forces the rest of the league to wake up and recognize his quality.

5. Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets

After an injury-riddled tenure in Boston and getting mocked for the fact Charlotte gave him such a huge contract, Hayward proved the haters wrong by scoring at the same mind-bending clip that he did in Utah. Offensively, he has proven that he is one of the best at what he does at his position several times over.

4. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum has shifted to more of a traditional power forward role, and Brown has filled the void by having his unquestioned best season in the NBA. If he comes back fully healthy, expect the numbers to improve as he potentially challenges for the top spot on this list.

3. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

DeRozan is still a beloved figure in Toronto, but his next stop in his career will be with Chicago alongside Zach LaVine Nikola Vucevic, and Lonzo Ball. DeRozan’s San Antonio tenure proved he is still capable of scoring the ball, and that’s what Chicago will need from him at this stage of his career.

2. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

Middleton was the second-best player on the champion this year, overcoming years of doubters saying that he wasn’t cut out for that role. If Anunoby evolves into the same type of player for Toronto, they could be on the path to titles again.

1. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat

Butler was the primary force that brought Kyle Lowry to Miami, as he believes that the veteran point guard can helo get the Heat back to the Finals. The buck ultimately stops with him, however, as Miami will be counting on his finishing inside and relentless defense to set the tone this season.