Much like they did with current All-Star Pascal Siakam and swingman Norman Powell, the Raptors are determined to turn erratic third-year forward OG Anunoby into a consistent, high-level contributor, according to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star.
“I think he needs more reps,” coach Nick Nurse reflected. “He needs some more chances to go out there and develop his game, and that’s got to be on me a little bit.”
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- Sixers center Joel Embiid hopes to resume his All-Star season on the floor next week, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. Embiid underwent surgery January 10 to repair a torn radial collateral ligament in his left ring finger.
- Due to a right hip contusion, Celtics center Enes Kanter will not return to action until at least Tuesday against the Heat, Brad Stevens relayed to Boston’s team Twitter account (link). In just 18.5 minutes per night, Kanter has produced impressive averages of 9.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG and 60.2% field goal shooting.
- Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet, an unrestricted free agent in 2020, could be a great fit for the Knicks, Greg Joyce of the New York Post suggests. VanVleet, the best point guard in a limited free agent class, should be in line for a major pay upgrade from the two-year, $18MM contract he signed in 2018.
These New York writers think any half decent player would be a good fit and want to play with the Knicks. It ain’t happening.
good grief. anunoby has had plenty of time and opporunity, and has never shown any real potential. toronto is chasing its tail here and should get off the og train pronto
Powell is almost certain to take OG spot in the starting 5 come playoffs if he doesn’t at least start putting up 10ppg
But OG plays so well defensively its hard for Nurse to Demote him when hes doing what helps the team, dont clog the lane or hold the ball while hitting 3s (when he finally takes them) and stop the man you’re guarding while providing good rotation and can switch onto big or small players
He shows flashes of a great offense then has 2, 0, 5, 3, 4, 9, 2, 6, 0, 2 points in consecutive games before he’ll look brilliant again and drop 20
I hope hes not expecting a huge raise on any upcoming contract
Completely disagree. OG has shown tons of potential, and hasn’t really gotten a chance or opportunity to take his game to the next level. This is his third season. Last season was basically a wash, with Kawhi and Danny green coming in and with the death if his father which impacted him a tremendous amount. The year prior was his rookie season, and he was coming off significant knee surgery the year prior. This kid is special, and if given the reps, could truly develop into an above average player. Look what the Raps have done in terms of development with guys like Siakam, vanVleet, Powell, etc. Why in God’s name would the raptors “get off the OG wagon”. He’s already above average defensively and a solid part of the rotation, at minimum.
I fail to see where I said to trade him or get rid of him or even shut him down in any way
Just a move to coming off the bench and perhaps closing out close games for his D and occasional 3pt shot
And the eluding to his contact status wasnt about not giving him one, simply that hell get a Powell or FVV style 10 mil a year, not step into some max or 30 mil Siakam style contract
I was sure OG would benefit most from playing with Kawhi, similar styles and player. Equal hardships off the court.
But he hasn’t turned that corner yet, I want him to and I want him to be great, it’s up to him tho
It has a realistic chance of happening. Knicks have a bunch of cash, and FVV fills their biggest need. They’ll overpay for him, and the few other teams that would have the cap space to do so don’t really need him (Atlanta, Memphis). Things change and teams open up cap space, but with a shallow pool of FA’s this year, and some massive one in 2021, teams may hold their cash, and Knicks could swoop in and grab him.
Can’t imagine Toronto doesn’t keep VanVleet. They developed him, they have invested a lot in him, they won’t lose him because he’s earned a payday.
Besides, the only teams that can put big money on the table are the Knicks and the Suns. The Suns already have a starting PG, and the Knicks are a dumpster fire. VanVleet wants to get paid, but he wants to win to.
Knicks just can’t bite the bullet and build a team from the ground up.
what are you talking about? Knicks have started from the ground up so many times they lead the league in announcing fresh starts.
But if we are talking about building a*team* then no they have proven they can’t do that.
VanVleet is gonna get the max
Probably 25 a year for 2 to 4 years with the Raptors
So if he keeps being a top 10 guard on a championship contender he can still take 1 more big contract before his 30s
Remember he likes to bet on himself
And its very likely next year will be Lowry final season in TO, hes starting to age and wont fit as well anymore running with Siakam, FVV is the future starting PG and will be happy to take the reigns and prove hes top 10 or better
After what happened with the Knicks last offseason, they’re going to pick a rising star and pay as necessary to get him. A Toronto player would be optimal since Dolan wanted Ujiri.
FVV will have 4 seasons until age 30 and hit the (open) spot with NY– it seems the Payton effect has worn off as they are 2 of the last 10– maybe Payton returned too late this year, IDK.
FVV is probably going to resign in the 80-85 mil range for 4 years—anything more, then the Raps would have to seriously think about letting him walk.
Lowry was given a 1 year extension for a few reasons of which one of them gives the Raps some insurance and time to find his backup in case they don’t resign FVV. And if FVV does sign don’t be surprised if KL is traded next year—hard to justify paying your 2 headed PG’s 50-55 mil, even for as year.
OG, as previously stated, has had to overcome injuries, family matters and Leonard and Green over his first 21/2 years —a lot to handle for anyone, esp for a 22 yr old. He has shown his defensive chops BUT needs to work on the offensive side SO the Raps should send him down to the D league to get his reps in over the next month and then bring him back for the final month going into playoff time.