Tip of the Tower
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Toronto Raptors should prepare to build around OG Anunoby

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his first 2 points with Delon Wright #55 during the first half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his first 2 points with Delon Wright #55 during the first half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors were fortunate to have OG Anunoby fall to them in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft and the team should look at how they can build around him.

The biggest topic of debate surrounding the Toronto Raptors has been their search for a new head coach and rightfully so.

However, with many questions surrounding the future of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, Masai Ujiri needs to decide what direction he wants to go with the roster and it should start with OG Anunoby.

When the Raptors drafted the 20-year-old 23rd overall, they along with many analysts knew that they were fortunate to get a player who could have easily gone in the top-10. On top of that, he was not supposed to be ready to play until November but once again, the Raptors were gifted more good news when Anunoby was ready to start the season.

Dan Grant of Raptors HQ recently wrote on how Anunoby continued to show his potential by starting 62 games (probably would have played more had it not been for ankle injuries), being an option to shoot from beyond the arc and being asked to guard LeBron James in the playoffs.

All those things that Grant mentioned are primary reasons why OG is the future of this Raptors core. Demar Grant wrote a while back that his emergence was enough to get the team to play him over Norman Powell.

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Even with all that, it seems like the NBA failed to recognize the accomplishments made by Anunoby when he was left off the NBA’s All-Rooke teams. Granted there were many strong candidates selected and most were featured players on their teams while Anunoby was played in various roles.

At the same time, the Raptors’ rookie received many compliments for his play with the most notable coming from LeBron.

“I think he has a bright future. His future is now, actually,” James told reporters after the Raptors were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Back in November, Kevin Durant also gave praise to Anunoby when he was talking about different rookies around the league.

“Rookies that caught my attention? I like OG Anunoby from Toronto. He plays hard, he can shoot it, he rebounds well,” Durant said. “He’s gonna be really good in the future.”

How much better can Anunoby get? Well if his offence can reach the level that he puts on the defensive side of the ball then the Raptors have a great building block to build around.

Next: Raptors look at external candidates for head coaching job

With Anunoby and the bench mob, that should provide hope that the Raptors can remain competitive in the Eastern Conference if they are able to add the right pieces to this core.

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