Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Raptors excited but tempering expectations for OG Anunoby

By David Morassutti

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

There was a lot of praise when the Toronto Raptors selected OG Anunoby 23rd overall in the 2017 draft and he showed some of that potential in his preseason debut.

There was a lot to be excited about after an impressive showing in the Toronto Raptors 116-94 win over the Detroit Pistons. C.J. Miles had 19 points going five-for-eight from beyond the arc as he looks to have the inside track on a spot with the starting unit.

However, the big surprise from Wednesday night’s game was the play of rookie OG Anunoby. The 2017 first round pick has been recovering from a torn ACL and wasn’t expected to be on the court until November the latest but his recovery has been progressing.

Going into the draft, the Missouri-native was lauded for his physicality and it showed in his preseason debut as he did not hesitate to try and make plays including a long range dunk.

More from Tip of the Tower

The Raptors know they were fortunate to get Anunoby 23rd overall in the draft considering he was projected to go in the top-10. He has the ability to shoot from long range but he has shown that he is not a one dimensional as Sportsnet’s Michael Grange pointed out following the game against Detroit. 

The 20-year-old has shown that he is not afraid to be aggressive and showed some strong dribbling skills down low as seen in this play below.

He was on a minutes restriction because of his knee injury but the early returns look very positive. He said after the game that he feels some rust in his jumping and elevation plus he wants to work on his defensive play as well.

While there is a lot to be excited about with Anunoby, Masai Ujiri also wants to temper expectations for him. 

"“It’s going to come slow. He’s still trying to get his feet under him. We’re going to bring him on slowly. He played in the scrimmage a couple weeks ago in Victoria and now he’s played in a game and we’ll continue to see how he reacts. He has unbelievable work ethic, just an unbelievable kid who loves the game and is very competitive. Hopefully, I think when you look at it with the naked eye, you hope that you’ve found a talented young player that can grow in our program.”"

This is an encouraging development for the Raptors considering how the younger talent on the team have made strides the past couple of seasons. Norman Powell is an example of that after signing a four-year extension with the team. While many are not giving the Raptors a chance against Cleveland and Boston in the Eastern Conference, there are reasons to be excited.

Next: Raptors will hone 3-point shooting for regular season

They may not be the flashiest team but their overall toughness, physicality and hopefully a strong second unit could be enough to give the Raptors a chance to remain competitive.

Home/Toronto Raptors