Toronto Raptors: 2017 NBA Draft Grade
OG Anunoby was easily a lottery pick pre injury, so when he became available at 23 the Raptors grabbed the high-risk, high reward player.
Toronto Raptors / OG Anunoby /Small-Power Forward/ Indiana
Grade- B
2016/ 2017 Stats: 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks, .557 FG percentage, .311 three point percent
Analysis:
OG Anunoby was arguably the most divisive prospect to come out of this draft class, as some experts have touted him to become the next Kawhi Leonard, while others were concerned that he did not offer anything more than defense at the next level.
This pick was purely a home-run style pick by General Manager Masai Ujiri, as Anunoby slid down mock drafts because he tore his ACL in January, and also because he showed in College that he was a streaky shooter, and someone who cannot create his own shot.
Anunoby will not play in the short-term as he is still recovering from his injury. In post draft reports the power forward said he is ahead of schedule (looking for a November return). But he has a lot of work to do on his offensive game as he was reliant on his pure power to score in college, and this won’t work against the higher quality defenders in the NBA. He was also a very limited outside shooter, so he will likely join the likes of DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poltl in the gym as both players seek to improve their outside shooting.
Anunoby however will be a contributor in some way for years to come in the NBA, as he is a ridiculously good defender who can switch onto bigs. While unable to participate in the skills segment or games at the NBA Combine he did wow onlookers when he posted measurements of 7-foot-2.25-inch wingspan and 8-foot-11.5-inch standing reach.
Many NBA teams are moving away from individual defense and running ‘switch everything’ type defenses, and Anunoby’s ability to do this makes him an enticing fit in Toronto alongside the likes of Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, if they choose to return.
The comparisons to Kawhi Leonard are far-fetched as Kawhi Leonard is a generational talent and an MVP candidate for the next decade, but Anunoby can still become a very valuable contributor, and a stint in the Raptors excellent D-League affiliate led by Jerry Stackhouse could do him a lot of good.
Fit:
Raptors needs entering draft: Stretch Four/Versatile Wing
The Raptors are almost certainly going to lose Patrick Patterson in free agency, and although he was a frustrating shooter at times, he was still highly valuable due to his defense, and floor spacing ability. Serge Ibaka could potentially re-sign in Toronto, but the team still need outside shooting, especially as Dwane Casey has made perimeter shooting a priority for this off-season.
The Raptors also needed a defensive wing, as DeMarre Carroll has stagnated, and PJ Tucker is an unrestricted free agent. These needs could change if Kyle Lowry leaves, but as that has not happened yet, these were the two glaring needs on the roster.
Does the player address these needs?
Over the long-term, Anunoby will almost certainly help the Raptors on the wings, as he can switch onto bigs and even defend in the post. If he sorts out his offence, then the Raptors would have one of the most versatile chess pieces in the League, as they would have a small ball four who can defend in the paint. Anunoby has some offensive value as a cutter from day one, although Dwane Casey’s offence probably isn’t dynamic enough to make use of that kind of player.
Where on Roster?
If the Raptors manage to retain Kyle Lowry, then Anunoby probably won’t see the floor until the end of the year at the earliest, as Toronto will be trying to win now. Dwane Casey has a reputation for making rookies wait, but in his defense, he has modified this approach as the likes of Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poelto and Fred van Vleet managed to push into the rotation last year, albeit in limited minutes. Anunoby may get limited minutes, but this question will be a lot easier to answer in a few months. It must also be remembered, that he is coming off an ACL injury, so it is likely that the Raptors would not want to rush him.
Realistically, he will probably spend at least a few months in the D-League, for both recovery and developmental purposes.
Immediate or future help?
It is far-fetched to think Anunoby can help the Raptors in the short term, but he is a fun project player for a team that has an amazing youth development system. At minimum, Anunoby will become a lock down defender who can be a vital weapon against a team with a stretch four. Masai Ujiri likes to try and make home-run draft picks, and Anunoby has the highest upside of anyone in this draft because he can focus all of his attention on improving his offensive game, as he is pro-ready as a defender.
