3 Raptors who must step up after OG Anunoby finger injury

2. Khem Birch

There’s been a ton of Birch criticism online, and even the most contrarian Raptors fan is finding it hard to disagree. Excluded a solid game against the Nets on Tuesday, Birch has made just one shot from the field since the All-Star break. Luckily for him, he’ll likely hold on to his starting spot.

Nurse must like the energy boost that the resurgent Achiuwa has brought off the bench, as Birch is continuing to start despite his offense completely vanishing and his defense being exposed. If Anunoby is to miss tons of time, Birch will likely keep starting.

Toronto Raptors: Khem Birch must improve on offense.

Be is as a starter or replacement for Achiuwa, Birch needs to show some signs of life. He averaged 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game with Toronto last year, so it’s unlikely he simply forgot how to play basketball. If that Birch comes back, the Raptors can absorb this blow.

More than anything else, Anunoby’s ability to switch and help protect the paint as a result is what will always be his meal ticket in this league. Birch needs to be able to make sure his defense is respectable and his offense is even below-average at this point, lest the Raptors fall into some early holes.