Toronto Raptors: Player grades based off preseason expectations

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Toronto Raptors Head Coach Nick Nurse stands amongst his team, (L-R) Fred VanVleet #23, OG Anunoby #3, Pascal Siakam #43, Serge Ibaka #9 and Kyle Lowry #7 as a call is disputed during second half of their NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Scotiabank Arena on November 6, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Toronto Raptors Head Coach Nick Nurse stands amongst his team, (L-R) Fred VanVleet #23, OG Anunoby #3, Pascal Siakam #43, Serge Ibaka #9 and Kyle Lowry #7 as a call is disputed during second half of their NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Scotiabank Arena on November 6, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

OG Anunoby: A-

OG Anunoby is having a fantastic season and has proven to be one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. He often gets the assignment of guarding the opposing team’s best player and typically does a fantastic job.

His blend of mobility and strength allows him to be one of the most versatile, and athletic defenders in basketball. His offensive game typically relies on open jumpers, and backdoor cuts, but he is a very smart off-ball player for someone who is only 22.

Anything would have been an upgrade after last season. Not that any of it was his fault, but he dealt with an injury-plagued season, filled with personal complications, and to top it off, an emergency appendectomy on the eve of the playoffs, which sat him out for their entirety.

I would have liked to see Anunoby develop a slightly stronger handle, but that still looks to be a slight weakness for him. I have been nothing but impressed with Anunoby this season, but my high expectations remain because I truly believe he can continue to rise as a player.