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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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BLOOMINGTON, IN – JANUARY 07: Maverick Morgan #22 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to the basket against OG Anunoby #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the game at Assembly Hall on January 7, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana defeated Illinois 96-80. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – JANUARY 07: Maverick Morgan #22 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to the basket against OG Anunoby #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the game at Assembly Hall on January 7, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana defeated Illinois 96-80. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Guard elite forwards

The consensus three best players in the NBA ­– LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard –are all big forwards, ranging from 6’7” to 7’0.” Right behind them are guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Gordon Hayward.

That type of player is dominating the NBA, largely because in a game of mismatches, they can outrun big guys and outmuscle wings. It takes a unique combination of size, strength and speed to even have a chance against LeBron or KD. Anunoby has that combination.

No rookie is capable of hanging with Durant or James for multiple possessions. James obliterated Stanley Johnson two postseasons ago and did the same to Jaylen Brown this past year. Even so, it should be Anunoby’s goal to eventually take those tough assignments.

If Anunoby spends big minutes matched up against elite scorers, it will indicate a few pieces of information. First, Casey trusts Anunoby to defend in a variety of situations – in the post, against ball screens, in isolation. Second, Casey thinks Anunoby’s intelligence is solid enough to match his obvious physical gifts. And lastly, Anunoby isn’t scared of the moment.

Even if Anunoby stagnates on offense, his skill-set allows him to guard the Greek Freaks and PG-13s of the world. Taking on the other team’s best forward is Anunoby’s NBA destiny, and it will be crucial to show he can fulfill that destiny right off the bat.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Not many people can guard the league’s best players. C.J. Miles isn’t athletic enough, Norman Powell isn’t big enough, and DeMar DeRozan doesn’t try hard enough. That niche could – and should – be Anunoby’s.

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