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Toronto Raptors Start, Bench Cut: Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby

By Mike Luciano

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 22: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after a missed basket against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at FTX Arena on October 22, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 22: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after a missed basket against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at FTX Arena on October 22, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, OG Anunoby
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 16: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

Cut: OG Anunoby

While the Raptors will likely do everything they can to keep Anunoby in town (as they should), he should be viewed as the No. 3 priority in this hypothetical pecking order. His defense remains elite, but will he emerge as the offensive force Toronto needs him to be?

Anunoby can shoot well from 3-point range, but that ends the extent of his above-average offensive skills. Is it worth giving him a nine-figure contract while extending Trent and making enough room for the eventual Barnes megadeal if his play on that ends flatlines?

OG Anunoby might not return to the Toronto Raptors.

Anunoby has come up in trade talks with teams like the Grizzlies and Warriors, but these talks fizzled out due to Memphis’ unwillingness to fork over tons of draft picks and the Warriors’ refusal to put names like Jonathan Kuminga in the rumor mill. Toronto should keep its ears open for more options.

Anunoby is one of the best Raptors ever, but they will only commit big money to more than half of their current starting lineup in the next few years. Tough decisions might need to be made, and his lower offensive ceiling when compared to Barnes and Siakam might make him less vital to the team’s long-term plan.