Toronto Raptors: 5 Reasons OG Anunoby was a great pick
By Nate Wolf
2. Immediate value
Remember when LeBron James played DeMarre Carroll off the court in this year’s Eastern Conference semifinals? By Game 4, Toronto coach Dwane Casey essentially banished Carroll because he knew P.J. Tucker had to match LeBron minute-for-minute. Tucker was the only guy with a puncher’s chance against The King.
It happened against Milwaukee, too. Giannis Antetokounmpo can obliterate smaller guys in the post, but Tucker was – literally speaking – a bigger challenge. In all likelihood, the same story would’ve played out against Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant if Toronto played in the West.
The league’s elite forwards require a special type of defender. It’s not enough to be quick and feisty and smart. It’s also usually necessary to be physically imposing. Try guarding LeBron in the post without a little meat on your bones.
Anunoby isn’t experienced enough to “shut down” LeBron or Giannis or Paul George, but he has the size to at least guard them for extended periods. Jaylen Brown played that role last season, and Justise Winslow and Stanley Johnson did so the year before.
The Indiana product’s 6’8,” 232-pound frame can hold up on the post, and his 7’2” wingspan will allow him to closeout against jumpers and recover to challenge shots at the rim. He also brings a pedigree as a defensive stopper at the college level, which should give him a clear role to embrace in his first couple of years.