The Toronto Raptors are starting to fall down the standings, but that shouldn’t dampen the enthusiasm surrounding OG Anunoby. Fans were expecting a big leap in offensive production this season, and he’s satisfied fans by putting up the best numbers of his career on that end.
Anunoby’s 20.1 points per game average would be the highest of his career, as he stepped up without Pascal Siakam in the rotation. Anunoby’s efficiency has decreased slightly due to a slow start, but he has looked much sharper on that end of the floor than he had prior to this season.
Anunoby’s defense remains as elite as ever. Should he return from his hip injury relatively soon, he may be the Raptor with the best chance of making it to the All-Star game in Cleveland this season. His numbers are certainly worthy of consideration when combined with his defensive chops.
Some of Anunoby’s numbers, especially within the context of all of the bad luck the Raptors have had this season, are genuinely impressive when compared against other near-stars in the league. These 3 players may have made the All-Star Game last year, but Anunoby looks more deserving this season.
Toronto Raptors star OG Anunoby is playing better than these 3 All-Stars.
3. Mike Conley, Utah Jazz
Conley never made an All-Star team in Memphis despite serving as the heart and soul of some quality Grizzlies teams. He finally got his long-awaited nod last season, but he isn’t doing much to return to that exclusive club despite Utah starting the season off in dominant fashion.
Conley is fifth on the Jazz in scoring at just 13.8 points per game, the second-lowest mark of any 2020-21 All-Star this year. His 5.6 assists per game are also slightly down from last year, as Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson appear to be seizing more control of the perimeter offense.
Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby is scoring more than Mike Conley.
Even though Anunoby plays alongside four other starters that are all capable of leading Toronto in scoring on any given night, he’s shown that he can still lead the charge when needed. Look no further than his 36 point night on the road against the Knicks without Scottie Barnes.
Conley is playing well, but the Jazz are such a well-oiled machine that they can still win when he has an off night. As Toronto has shown during Anunoby’s absence, it can be very difficult for the Raptors to pick up some wins against quality teams if No. 3 isn’t out there on the floor.