The NBA season is over for another year, and the attention swiftly turned toward the players that could be on the move this summer before the start of next season.
The Toronto Raptors are one of many sides that will be looking to refresh their roster ahead of the upcoming campaign, and that could mean parting ways with a number of stars in order to bring in players that could take them closer in the NBA betting odds to win a second title in the franchise history.
One player that could be set to be included in trade packages over the coming months is OG Anunoby, but would it be a wise move for the Raptors to part with the 24-year-old?
Anunoby’s 2021-22 Season
The 2021-22 season was a success for Anunoby, as he continued to show why he is so highly regarded by the Raptors. He played the second-highest number of games that he has played during his NBA career, as he competed in 48 regular season fixtures.
In total, he averaged more minutes per game than in his four previous seasons, showing just how vital he has become to Nick Nurse’s team. Meanwhile, he also set new career-best averages for rebounds per game, assists per game and shorts per game.
Most importantly, he points per game average also rose to a career-best of 17.1 in the regular season, and 17.3 in the post-season. That number of average points in the playoffs was just under seven points more than his previous average that he set in the 2020 campaign.
Overall, he was one of the most improved players for the Raptors throughout the season, which means that the rumours linking him with a move away from the Scotiabank Arena this summer could be a bitter pill for Raptors fans to swallow.
Anunoby’s Standout Performance
You don’t have to go back far to see the performance that really shows what Anunoby is about, as he was sensational in the series against the Philadelphia 76ers at the tail-end of Toronto’s run in the playoffs this season.
Despite struggling for fitness towards the end of the regular season, he looked back, and better than ever during the series against the Sixers. The series as a whole encouraged Toronto fans that a second NBA title in franchise history may not be that far away, as young stars including Scottie Barnes and Precious Achuiwa also impressed throughout.
However, it was Anunoby’s performance in the win at the Scotiabank that really saved the Raptors and forced the series to continue. The British star’s performances in all three games were very impressive, as he made up for the stars that were missing for the crucial games. In particular, he impressed in game five, as he scored 16 points, five rounds and four assists. But, despite the excellent performances we have seen from him this season, the Raptors could yet be willing to include Anunoby in trade packages to bring a star to the franchise this summer.
Why It Would Make Sense To Trade Anunoby?
Various reports have indicated that the Brit may have become unhappy with his role in the team over the past year, and could seek a new challenge elsewhere. If that is the case, then the Raptors would be well within their rights to try and get rid of their young star. However, what are the pros that favour Anunoby being moved on this summer?
One of the biggest pros in the favour of shipping out Anunoby could be what the Raptors get in return. A team will likely need to match his trade value, which is certainly high after an impressive season in 2021-22, and will likely require more than just two first-round draft picks. A move could also allow the Raptors to invest in younger players on cheap contracts to refresh their bench, and add a new dynamic to the team for the forthcoming season.
It has also been argued that trading Anunoby could help the development of young stars that are coming through. That could include Pascal Siakam playing in his preferred position as a power forward, and also giving an opportunity for Barnes to play as the small forward. Achiuwa could be the player that stands to benefit most, as his development would likely increase quicker as he will be given more opportunities with the Raptors with Anunoby out of the picture.
Should The Raptors Trade Anunoby?
It’s still hard to suggest that the Raptors would be better off without Anunoby, as fans have predicted that the British star is a big part of their plans moving forward. Many have assumed that the core of Siakam, Anunoby and VanVleet will make up the next team that is capable of going deep in the playoffs over the coming seasons. It could be safe to assume that with Anunoby in the team, the Raptors are closer to winning a second championship.
Post your comment
Visualizza commenti