Grading the Toronto Raptors starting lineup amid solid start

SF: O.G. Anunoby

The Raptors had to watch Anunoby struggle through some nasty offensive performances to begin the year, but he has really stepped up the scoring and shooting since Siakam got hurt. A season in which he makes 40% of his 3-pointers is well within reach for the emerging star.

Defensively, Anunoby is completely beyond reproach. Advocating for a Defensive Player of the Year award thanks to his historic numbers is not hyperbolic by any stretch of the imagination. Sustaining that level of production will be difficult, but it would surprise no one if O.G. can pull that off.

Grade: A-

The Toronto Raptors have to be pleased with Scottie Barnes.

PF: Scottie Barnes

While there are areas where Barnes has made some major improvements, there are plenty of dud games on the ledger for the former Rookie of the Year. Still trying to figure out what type of player he is in the NBA, there are some nights where he looks a bit tentative on offense and iffy on defense.

The positives are there, as he is a much better shooter and playmaker this year while remaining just as effective on the glass. Toronto will need Barnes to take the leap as a scorer eventually, but that doesn’t have to necessarily come immediately. Just keep doing what you’re doing, Scottie. The shots will still fall.

Grade: B+