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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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COLLEGE PARK, MD – JANUARY 10: OG Anunoby #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers dunks the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 10, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – JANUARY 10: OG Anunoby #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers dunks the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 10, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

5. Return to action by January

Before anything else, Anunoby must get healthy. He’s coming off a probable torn ACL, which may be common, but can also destroy careers. Just ask Rajon Rondo what a knee injury can do to a player’s performance – and bank account.

Anunoby is reportedly eyeing a late November or early December return to game action, yet even that timeline may be too quick. The Raptors shouldn’t hasten his return, especially given the confidence-sapping effects of adapting to NBA basketball at less-than-full health. Anunoby should return fresh and ready to go.

With that trepidation in mind, fans should hope to see the 20-year-old on the court by the turn of the year. That kind of return date will have allowed nearly 12 full months of rehabilitation, while also giving Anunoby well over half a season of playing time to develop.

A shortened rookie season isn’t a death knell for a player’s career; Blake Griffin, Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid all sat out their entire rookie years. Still, injuries can alter a young player’s development curve, and not usually for the better, meaning the Raptors should handle Anunoby’s knee very carefully.

The final target is basically as follows: Nurse Anunoby back to full health, and hopefully do so before the season is too far along. Come wintertime, we’ll find out how well head coach Dwane Casey and Toronto’s medical team work with another.

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