3 Raptors who deserve praise for stepping up without Pascal Siakam

1. O.G. Anunoby

After an offseason of being included in every mock trade proposal, Anunoby started the season off tentatively on offense. Now that he’s gotten out of that funk and put up offensive numbers that he’s never hit before, O.G. has emerged as one of the Eastern Conference’s best players in Siakam’s absence.

Anunoby has averaged 22 points per game without Siakam in the lineup, showing that he can be an above-average scorer and creator for himself despite some substandard 3-point shooting numbers. In the win against Dallas, Anunoby scored 26 points while playing 43 minutes and defending Luka Doncic for most of the night.

Anunoby had Doncic and Jason Kidd in awe of him after the game.

O.G. Anunoby is dominating for the Toronto Raptors.

If Anunoby maintains his current averages for the remainder of the season, he will set new career-best marks in points per game, rebounds per game, and steals per game. With Gary Trent Jr. mired in a deep funk offensively, Anunoby’s production is even more valuable.

Anunoby’s numbers without Siakam are All-Star worthy if the Raptors continue winning games, and they’ve shown that he needs to be the No. 3 offensive option when everyone gets back. Having that arrow in your quiver, in addition to what he brings as a defensive player, has to feel good for Nick Nurse.