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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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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby speaks with the media after being selected 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 22: OG Anunoby speaks with the media after being selected 23rd overall by the Toronto Raptors at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Crack the playoff rotation

Anunoby will need ample time to adapt to the pro game and return to game shape once he comes back. For his first month, the Indiana product will likely see inconsistent rotation minutes and a whole lot of garbage time action.

But the kid has physical tools and defensive versatility that most other Raptors players cannot match. Once you factor in the scarcity of wings and forwards in Toronto, it’s clear that Anunoby can stake out a rotation spot after he gets acclimated to the NBA.

In all likelihood, C.J. Miles and Serge Ibaka will be Toronto’s starting forwards throughout the season. That leaves Pascal Siakam, Bruno Caboclo and Norman Powell as Anunoby’s only real competition for frontcourt playing time.

Powell is an excellent young player who could make a giant leap this season, but he’s also 6’4” and only guards bigger wings out of necessity, as opposed to fit. Siakam started 38 games for Toronto last season, but the team was 7.0 points worse per 100 possessions when he was on the court. Caboclo has 106 minutes in three seasons. He is still one year away.

This won’t be a cakewalk for Anunoby – rookie seasons are rarely easy. However, he has more natural talent than any of the players listed above, and if he harnesses it well enough, he could easily become a rotation cog for Dwane Casey.

Even as a rookie, Anunoby should be capable of guarding both forward spots and switching onto any other position. That versatility will allow him to play in a variety of lineups, giving him more value and a greater chance of becoming a regular contributor come playoff time. And his goal isn’t to play 20 minutes per game in January, it’s to play 20 minutes per game in April.

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