4. Defensive versatility
Critics of pro basketball often stereotype NBA offense as a monotonous barrage of pick-and-rolls and isolations. First off, it’s unclear why that’s a bad thing. Second, that’s rather disingenuous. The NBA’s best offenses utilize a constant stream of dribble handoffs, flare screens, pindowns, and the like – some hidden, some not.
The easiest way to thwart those actions? Switch everything. Switching preemptively closes the gaps that screens are meant to create, which means less ball movement, less penetration and more inefficient one-on-one offense. The Warriors’ Death Lineup can switch 2-through-5, and that lineup’s defensive rating last season was absolutely stingy.
Anunoby is a switch-y, versatile defensive dynamo. The Ringer’s Draft Guide literally listed “defensive versatility” as Anunoby’s greatest draw. Indeed, outlets like The Ringer and Draft Express have praised the 19-year-old’s quick feet against guards and strength on the interior.
At his best, Anunoby won’t just switch onto guards and centers, he’ll match up with guards and centers on every possession, allowing the Raptors to roll out unconventional lineups that present mismatch opportunities on the other end. Coaches would kill for an ostensible wing player who can guard the point. In all likelihood, Anunoby won’t be Draymond Green. That being said, he provides some of the same benefits on defense.
The NBA isn’t position-less quite yet. However, more so than at any other time, NBA lineup combinations are practically limitless. Versatile players like Anunoby are the keys that unlock those lineups. The more ways a team can play, the more likely that team is to succeed.