Per reports from the Athletic’s Blake Murphy and Shams Charania, and confirmed by the Raptors’ PR account, the Raptors have picked up the 2020-21 team option on 22-year old wing OG Anunoby. This was all but a formality; Anunoby is a great young player with an intriguing mix of shooting skills, defensive versatility, and athleticism. The team will pay him almost $4 million for next season, after which he is eligible for an extension or will become a restricted free agent.
Anunoby had an incredible rookie year. Because of an ACL injury, Anunoby fell in the draft to the Toronto Raptors at the 23rd spot. He was supposed to miss much of his rookie year, but he rehabbed quickly, started very early in the year, and ended up playing 74 games. He averaged 5.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per game, but the more impressive number was his 3-point percentage, which was a fantastic 37.1. Anunoby was touted out of the draft for his electric athleticism, and his jumper was supposed to be a development project. It did look a little loose, but that he made so many out of the gate boded well for his future. After the 2017-18 season, Anunoby was rated perhaps even higher as an asset than Pascal Siakam.
Last season was a down year for Anunoby. He dealt with various injuries and personal matters, and it felt like he was out for much of the year. Though he ended up playing in 67 games — a sign of his durability and tenacity, more than anything else — was impressive. Still, Anunoby’s efficiency numbers dropped across the board, and he was never able to find a great fit in the Raptors’ rotation. His 3-point accuracy fell to 33.2, which was more in line with what the team expected from him as a rookie. Nonetheless, he remains incredibly athletic, and all signs out of camp point towards Anunoby having a resurgent year.
The team believes highly in Anunoby’s future. Nick Nurse mentioned that Anunoby could have a similar year, in terms of developmental leaps, as Siakam had in 2018-19. He is healthy, and he’s made plenty of strides over the summer. His jumper looks far smoother and more compact above his waist, as the shot looks more and more like Paul George’s. Media at training camp say that Anunoby’s handle is tighter, and his springs are, uhhh, still intact.
og threw down a monster dunk on serge in the first half of their intra-squad scrimmage. their carpool karaoke sessions might be over after this. pic.twitter.com/EGxmYVt9T9
— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) October 3, 2019
All in all, this is expected news but good news. Signs portend a big year for Anunoby, as he’ll compete to start at the small forward spot in the beginning of the year. It can only help that he has personal and fiscal stability before the year even begins.
