Raptors rookie about to face Rockets’ red glare
OG Anunoby isn’t the type to share his thoughts, inner or otherwise, with just anybody.
His media scrums have become spectacles as earnest reporters try to engage the Toronto Raptors’ likable rookie in conversation only to be stymied by one- or two-word answers. It’s comical at times, as long as you don’t happen to be the one trying to build an article around a bunch of yes and no responses.
But even before Norm Powell went down with a hip injury, potentially opening up a spot in the starting five for at least the next game, there was plenty of interest in the Raptors’ firstround pick in the 2017 draft.
That interest is likely to double as the 20-year-old is thrust into a bigger role perhaps as early as Tuesday, when the Raptors visit the Western Conference-leading Houston Rockets.
Anunoby isn’t head coach Dwane Casey’s only option to fill Powell’s minutes, but he appears to be the most likely candidate. Like Powell, Anunoby is a capable defender, a willing driver and a threat from three-point range.
“The young man has been playing well defensively,” Casey said after Monday’s practice in Houston. “Offensively, he’s making the right reads, good cuts …
“He’s growing. Is he making mistakes? Yes. He missed a couple of switches. They’re all hard. That’s what this year is all about, those guys growing up and developing an NBA game.”
Anunoby doesn’t foresee any problems if he does play big minutes with the starting group.
He doesn’t see himself changing his style.
“Not really,” he said. “Still playing hard, trying to make plays at both ends to help the team. Same as always.”