At 25 years, AND Anunoby meets his fate. The Toronto Raptors winger, brilliant at the start of the year, is gradually becoming the player Masai Ujiri had seen in him in his draft. the “amazing kid” which the franchise had a crush on in 2017 has finally come of age.
He probably won’t be the league’s MIP at the end of the season, but he is already the Raptors’. With 36.7 minutes per game, Anunoby had never played so much. He had never been so responsible. He had never been so efficient. The London native is clearly playing at the highest level of his career right now, on both sides of the pitch.
Behind this outbreak, an obvious observation: OG Anunoby is finally himself. In his sixth season in the NBA, he has definitely found his comfort zone. This zone is first established in position 2, where he now plays more than half the time – compared to 25% last season and only 2% in 2020-2021, d’après Cleaning the Glass.
In this position, he seems to flourish more than in position 3, even 4, which he mainly occupied during the first years of his career. Its qualities are better highlighted with this slight change, which apparently makes all the difference.
Above all, the Raptors player is uninhibited this year. Confident, he does not shy away from responsibilities or contact. That’s it, Anunoby is holding her balance.
OG Anunoby, a potential defender of the year
On March 26, 2016, in the 32nd March Madness finals, part of the basketball world discovered an 18-year-old winger with a bright future. In the most important meeting of his young career, the number 3 of the University of Indiana then muzzled Jamal Murray, one of the NCAA’s highest-rated prospects. A reference match for this nugget, drafted a year later by Toronto.
Today more than ever, OG Anunoby presents itself as the evolution of the elite defender who marked the spirits that day. Donovan Mitchell (8 points at 3-11 shooting) and Luka Doncic (“only” 24 points) have it observed in spite of themselves. It is not without reason that Nick Nursehis coach, sends him on a mission every evening against the best opponent outside.
Tall and long, 2.01m for a wingspan of 2.19m, the English winger often has a physical advantage over his vis-à-vis. Athletic, agile and strong, he has all the qualities to block the attackers who come in front of him. He particularly shines in isolation, where he regularly silences his opponents.
Best element of the 9th defense of the NBA, he exudes an impression of total control in this compartment of the game. In symbiosis with the disruptive style of the Raptors, he leads the league in interceptions (2.4 per game) while taking 5, 8 rebounds per game — a high number for his position.
Since the DPOY is more for interiors, Anunoby is probably not the favorite in the race. In any case, it deserves to be in the discussion. His profile is reminiscent of that of Kawhi Leonardtwice winner in 2015 and 2016, and Marcus Smart recalled last season that outsiders could also claim this title.
The evolution of OG Anunoby is not limited to defense, however. “He’s an incredible player, on both ends of the court. It seems to me he’s the best interceptor in the NBA, but he’s improved tremendously offensively.”a recently testified Luka Doncicafter losing to Toronto.
The brilliant dominance of Kevin Durant at half distance
In attack, a return to basics
This season, his 19 points per game represent his best career average. A clear indicator of his development in attack, which is an integral part of his hatching.
This rise in scoring comes naturally with his growing responsibilities. His 15.2 shot attempts per game are a record for him. But, again, it’s all about authenticity.
In his early days in the league, the original OG was seen mostly as a winger capable of finishing in the circle. With time and teammates, he moved away from the basket and started shooting more and more three-pointers. This year is like a homecoming.
While taking almost half of his shots from behind the arc over the past two seasons, his shooting volume has mostly shifted inside. The winger now registers 43% of his attempts near the circle, where he is most effective (69% success). More importantly: he does it with style.
More aggressive than ever, Anunoby is finally putting his physical qualities to good use. He imposes himself and goes looking for faults. He gets a whistle on just over one action in 10, including a third of “and one”. His number of shots and percentage of success on the line have both evolved, giving him a formidable new weapon.
Previously he “tried to avoid contact”, according to his coach. Today, he is much more incisive and therefore much more dangerous. A progression, both on the ground and in spirit, which reveals his unfailing determination. “I want to be an All-Star. It’s one of my individual goals”, he assured with ambition at the start of the season. A man of his word, he makes every effort to achieve this and, above all, to help his team achieve victory.
This detail may seem anecdotal, but Anunoby will still be under contract next year. He will then have a player option in 2024-2025. This guarantees at least one thing: it is not a “contract year” for the Canadian nugget.
If he exceeds the expectations set by his salary of 17 million dollars, it is not in order to negotiate a big check at the end of the year. OG Anunoby is simply completing its metamorphosis into its final version. He finally becomes himself, quite simply.
