NBA Rumors: Eastern Conference GM pegs OG Anunoby as best player available at the deadline
OG Anunoby has recently become the NBA's hottest trade piece. With the trade deadline fast approaching, teams are trying to figure out which players they'd want in their squad. Reports suggest that Anunoby is the best available player that organizations should be keeping an eye on.
According to Ahn Fire Digital, an anonymous Eastern Conference general manager strongly believes that OG Anunoby is a valuable asset to any team. The GM pointed out that the Toronto Raptors forward is still in his prime and is also an all-around player. With that in mind, he believes that Anunoby should be prioritized before the deadline.
“A versatile young player in his prime?” the Eastern Conference GM said. “One thousand percent he would be the best available player at the deadline.”
While the league believes that Anunoby is the most valuable trading asset at the moment, it appears that he might leave Toronto. Former sports talk show host Bob McCown revealed on his podcast that the Raptors forward wants out. McCown got the information from an NBA insider who he's been friends with for several years. If the rumors are true, then Anunoby has a little less than two weeks to leave Canada.
Just heard this on the Bob McCowan podcast:
“I talked to an NBA insider yesterday, this is a guy I’ve known for a few years, he tells me… Anunoby wants out of Toronto”
Take that as you will. https://t.co/Dolb8UE91o
How is OG Anunoby a valuable player?
OG Anunoby has been playing for the Toronto Raptors since 2017. He was drafted by Toronto as the 23rd overall pick. Since then, Anunoby has grown into a solid role player for the Raptors. His first two seasons weren't exactly promising, but everyone could see the potential. In fact, he was even a part of the championship-winning squad with Kawhi Leonard in 2019.
After gaining elite-level experience in only his second year, Anunoby quickly adapted and upped his game. In his third year during the 2019-20 season, Anunoby put up his best shooting performance by far. He shot 50.5% from the field, while scoring 10.6 points per game. It was the first time he averaged double digits in points.
Come the 2020-21 season, OG Anunoby kicked it up a notch and improved his scoring even further. This time around, Anunoby scored 15.9 points per game. Aside from his offensive prowess, he proved to be a solid defender as he averaged 1.5 steals per game.
From 2020 up until the present day, OG Anunoby more or less maintained his figures. The only upgrade the league has seen so far is in his defensive game. The Raptors forward is currently averaging a career-high 2.1 steals per game. Anunoby may not be an All-Star, but nobody can deny the value he brings to the team.