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NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options

By Hans Themistode

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby, Photo by Elsa/Getty Images /

NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options: 16. OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors

For the first time on this list, we have a player who’s the best offensive option for a particular squad on paper but we view him as the third banana.

For the Toronto Raptors, OG Anunoby is having the best season of his career. He’s currently dropping a shade over 20 points a game and has turned into a really reliable option for a squad that’s battling for a playoff spot.

So why do we consider Anunoby only their third-best player on offense? Well, that’s simple. Pascal Siakam is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. So far, he’s looked pretty good, averaging roughly 18 points per game and respectable shooting splits. But, he continues to miss games from time to time as the Raptors don’t want to rush him.

Fred VanVleet in our opinion is their go-to guy, at least until Siakam is clicking on all cylinders. So, in our opinion, we simply call it a case of Anunoby being given the bulk of the shots while they get their team in order.

Still, even with what appears to be inflated stats, Anunoby is terrific. He’s a physical player who has no issue with putting you in the hoop while he drives to the hole. Once everyone becomes more settled into their roles, Anunoby’s scoring average will fall, but not by much.