Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby has been a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable season

The Toronto Raptors should feel good about the continued rise of OG Anunoby. 

Even after what many would consider being somewhat of a disappointing title defense, after losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals in Game 7 of last year‘s playoffs, I don’t think the expectation was that the Toronto Raptors would miss the playoffs entirely this season.

Nevertheless, that’s exactly what the Raptors are in danger of doing with 10 games remaining in the regular season.

Even though this season hasn’t gone exactly how the Raptors would’ve hoped, especially with crazy trade rumors and having to battle through a myriad of injuries, there have been a few bright spots this season for Toronto. With the biggest of such being the continued rise of OG Anunoby.

The rise of OG Anunoby

In last year’s playoffs, Anunoby stole headlines and wow’d during the playoffs after hitting an unlikely game-winner against the Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals (which actually feels like ages ago).

He has done nothing but continued to build off that moment. The great thing about Anunoby is that he wasn’t fazed by the situation by any means. It’s almost like he knew he was made for such moments – and, partly, that’s why the Raptors liked him coming out of college.

And after another solid start to this season, it appeared that Anunoby was ready to take another step in his progression. Though, it wasn’t until he returned in mid-March that he truly began to hit his stride on the season.

During his last 18 games, Anunoby has arguably been the best player on the Raptors. Even though the Raptors have continued to struggle to make a significant move up the East standings, Anunoby has shown true promise over the last month and a half.

During that span, Anunoby is averaging 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 49 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s been the team’s second-leading scorer, behind Pascal Siakam, during the last 18 games.

Let’s also not forget that he’s also considered one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and has now evolved to arguably the most complete two-way non-star player in the league.

The departure of Norman Powell has opened up a role for Anunoby that he’s filled strongly. He’s answered the call with an expanded role and is quickly developing into one of the better budding stars in the league.

At only 23 years old, the Raptors appear to have a third building block next to Siakam and Fred VanVleet. Heading into the offseason, it’ll be interesting to see how the Raptors elect to build around this team. And what does the continued rise of Anunoby mean for the rest of this team’s plans?

The best part about Anunoby’s rise (potentially, soon, to stardom) is the fact that he’s locked up until the 2024 season, and at a fair price – one that is only going to look better and better as he continues to improve.

Though the Raptors aren’t having a season that they’ll want to remember, they can feel good knowing that at least one of their young players, specifically Anunoby, has shown promise this season.