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Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes are shocking the NBA

By Jack Simone

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: OG Anunoby #3 and Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors slap hands against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, NOTE TO USER: User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: OG Anunoby #3 and Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors slap hands against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, NOTE TO USER: User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) controls the ball between Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) and Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) (Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports) /

Going into the season, a lot of people assumed that this would be a rebuilding year for the Toronto Raptors. They missed the playoffs last season and lost Kyle Lowry this past offseason.

They still had some solid pieces on the roster, but things weren’t looking too hot. Then the season rolled around and their play reinforced those feelings of doubt.

However, since that 1-3 start the Raptors have gone 5-1, with their only loss being a heartbreaker to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead of fighting for the number one pick, they could be fighting for a playoff spot.

Normally, when a team hits the reset button, it takes them a few years to get back into playoff shape. For the Toronto Raptors, though, there was seemingly no rebuild required.

OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes have accelerated the Toronto Raptors rebuild

The reason behind that is the play of two players in particular – OG Anunoby and rookie Scottie Barnes. Both are playing well above expectations and helping the Raptors push for the playoffs.

Anunoby is in his fifth season in the league and has taken a huge jump. He missed a bunch of time last year but has returned with a bang.

Previously, he was known mainly for his defensive prowess, but this year he has taken a jump on the offensive end. He is averaging 20.6 points while shooting 41.7% from the field and 37.5% from deep.

He has been their go-to guy on the offensive end. Anunoby is developing into a promising young wing and is already one of the better 3&D guys in the league.

As for Barnes, he burst onto the scene after the Toronto Raptors selected him fourth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. A lot of people were shocked to see them take him over guard Jalen Suggs, but that choice looks amazing now.

Barnes is averaging 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. The term “swiss-army-knife” is the perfect word to describe the role he plays for the Toronto Raptors.

Everyone knew he would be a solid defender coming into the league, and he has been. However, his versatility on the offensive side of the ball has been a nice surprise.

Players such as Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., and Svi Mykhailiuk are also making huge contributions, but the play of Anunoby and Barnes has led the way.

The Toronto Raptors are playing with house money right now, as no one thought they’d be a playoff team. Keep an eye out for them as the season progresses, especially once Pascal Siakam returns from injury.

Next. Ranking all 5 Raptors starters for the 2021-22 season. dark

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