Toronto Raptors: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2018-19

3. OG Anunoby

Last year, OG Anunoby was a pleasant surprise as a late first round draft pick. This season, the weight of expectations will firmly rest on the former Indiana Hoosiers star.

By all indications, Anunoby will have an opportunity to retain his starting role in Nick Nurse’s rotation this season. There’s no reason he shouldn’t — he’s an ace defender with the potential to become a better scorer as his game develops.

There was an element of obscurity on his side last season, though. While the Raptors had two stars in Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, most casual fans didn’t learn of Anunoby’s exploits until they saw him try to go mano a mano with LeBron James in the playoffs.

This year, there will be more eyes on Anunoby — partially because the Raptors will face higher expectations with James in the Western Conference, partially because of a new arrival (more on him later).

As the Raptors near the closing of their contention window, the fans will look toward Anunoby as a pivot to the next era of Toronto basketball.