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Toronto Raptors: 5 goals for OG Anunoby’s rookie season

By Nate Wolf

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: OG Anunoby reacts after being drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: OG Anunoby reacts after being drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby reacts after being drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby reacts after being drafted 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

OG Anunoby comes into the season injured and unpolished. However, the new Toronto Raptors forward has several goals he can try to chase during his rookie year.

On July 9, OG Anunoby officially signed with the Toronto Raptors. Rookie signings are formalities in the NBA since first round draft picks don’t have the power to negotiate their salaries. Anunoby’s deal will be worth $3.6 million over two years. At that bargain price, just about any positive production will satisfy the Raptors and their fans.

But Anunoby has the talent and upside to be more than just minimally productive. A 6’8” forward with an Adonis body, plus athleticism and rare defensive potential, Anunoby could grow into a quality starter, if not more.

Consequently, the Raptors should set some ambitious yet attainable goals for their recent 23rd overall pick. In this article, I detail what those goals may be.

In truth, Anunoby is coming into a strange situation that makes the results of his rookie season difficult to predict. Anunoby would have likely been selected much higher in the draft if not for the season-ending ACL injury he suffered in January while playing for Indiana University.

Instead, he’s a raw young player recovering from a serious injury on a team that wants to win now. That’s not a typical scenario for any draft pick, let alone one hailed by many draft gurus as a steal. I, too, gave Toronto an “A” for the selection of Anunoby, but that grade came with both eyes toward the long-term. The immediate future is more difficult to predict, but we might as well try:

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