4. OG Anunoby
Listen. OG Anunoby is going to have a great year. He could even breakthrough and have a stellar year.
Anunoby has the size and tools to be a great player. With more minutes and usage up for grabs in the starting lineup this year, he should capitalize on the opportunity and display his developed skills.
Anunoby’s versatility, especially defensively, is his best attribute. He basically can guard all five positions, and head coach Nick Nurse has alluded to playing OG more at the center spot this season in smaller lineups.
He will most likely get a bump in usage on the offensive side. Last year, Ibaka had a fair load on offense – though with his departure – I believe Nurse will award those touches to Anunoby. He needs to maintain composure and confidence while controlling the ball. It might be a bit rocky at times, but he has already displayed some nifty playmaking and craftiness on drives during the first three preseason games against Charlotte and Miami.
Another thing to note is that Anunoby and the Raptors recently agreed on a rookie scale extension (4-years at $72 million). Anunoby is more than deserving of the contract. It could even be a bargain deal – considering he is projected to produce big for the Raptors. The team has a good young core locked in for the future, and Anunoby is an integral part of it.