Raptor's Anunoby positions himself for bigger role
OG Anunoby is ready and willing to take on more offensive responsibilities.
Toronto's starting small forward met the media for the first time this season via video call Friday saying he had a short but productive off-season and is ready to expand his game further.
“Yeah, I think so. Just being more aggressive, looking for my own shot, looking to get other people involved. Just trying to do more,” Anunoby said.
Anunoby had a breakout season and playoffs, emerging as an excellent two-way player for the Raptors after showing flashes — primarily defensively — when in the lineup over his first two seasons. Anunoby averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks and shot 39 per cent on three-pointers in 69 games, all but one of them starts. He was even better in the post-season, providing standout defence and a memorable game-winning shot. Anunoby deserved a spot on an all-defensive team, but doesn't yet have the league-wide recognition. Expect that to change after this year.
He likely follows through with the desire to show more offensively after working on bettering his ball-handling, shooting off the dribble and passing. He's also ready to play some small-ball centre, when necessary.
Anunoby is eligible for an extension (similar to how Pascal Siakam was a year earlier), but said he isn't sure if it will get done or not before the deadline later this month. Otherwise it will happen before next season. His agent has been in talks with the Raptors.
“I guess we'll see when it gets closer,” Anunoby said.
He was surprised to see close friend Serge Ibaka leave via free agency, but pleased that Fred Vanvleet committed long-term to Toronto.
“I'm glad playing with Fred, so I'm glad he's back. Really happy for him,” Anunoby said.
“He played great last season. I think his career is just going up.”
Anunoby knows “the East will be even harder this year” with Brooklyn powering up and Russell Westbrook teaming with Bradley Beal in Washington, but, “we know we're a good team, so we're still confident in us.”
DEC. 23 OPENER BECKONS
The Raptors will open the regular season against the New Orleans Pelicans for the second year in a row. This time there won't be a ring ceremony, it won't be in Toronto and young sensation Zion Williamson will be in the lineup. The game will be on Dec. 23 in Tampa Bay. The season tips off for other teams a day earlier. Toronto heads to San Antonio on Boxing Day, is at Philadelphia on the 29th and hosts the New York Knicks on New Year's Eve.