Toronto Raptors: 4 X-factors that could make or break 2021 season

1. OG Anunoby’s offensive rise

Anunoby began to assert himself more consistently offensively last season. His stats during the final seven games he played were remarkable.

While he and several other members of the team were in and out of the lineup for various reasons, Anunoby averaged 22.4 points per game in his last seven appearances while also playing what was near-elite defense every night that he competed.

He was also the Raptors’ leading scorer in the preseason, averaging 19.2 points per game in the four games he played in. His average was very efficient as well, coming on 12.5 shot attempts per game.

GM Bobby Webster recently stated about Anunoby:

"“Our message to him is continue to expand the offensive stuff, but keep the defense at an All-NBA level…He’ll also get a chance here early with Pascal being out here early, so it will be a big chance for him to be in a bigger role.”"

OG Anunoby’s play gets better every year.

Since arriving in Toronto as the 23rd selection at the 2017 draft, Anunoby has been a steady performer for the Raptors. His offensive game has slightly lagged behind his defense, not because he’s incapable, but because of necessity.

As of late last season, he now seems more comfortable taking a bigger role in leading the team offensively and it couldn’t come at a better time than now for the Raptors.

Siakam, the team’s top scorer, will miss some time recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and VanVleet will need someone else between Gary Trent Jr. and Anunoby (preferably both) to step it up offensively this season.

Should the Raptors organization get positive improvements in these categories of the game and from certain players trending in the right direction overall 2022 could be more exciting than expected for Canada’s lone NBA franchise.