Title: O.G. Anunoby is a defensive unicorn. How will that impact his contract talks with the Raptors?
Date: March 16, 2023
Original Source: Sportsnet
Synopsis: In my latest at Sportsnet, I wrote about the unique defensive profile of OG Anunoby and how a possible new CBA wrinkle could keep him in Toronto long-term.
Somehow, it was understandable that Nick Nurse forgot about Kawhi Leonard for a moment.
Asked what position O.G. Anunoby plays for the Raptors on defence, Nurse was at a loss for the last time Anunoby even guarded someone at his own position. He’s spent the last few weeks — years, really, — switching from the Bradley Beals and DeMar DeRozans of the league to the Nikola Jokices. Wherever he’s deployed, Anunoby can’t do the impossible and completely silence opposing superstars, but he significantly limits their impact, decreasing touches and field-goal attempts, a one-man PPE against the dangers of the NBA.
“He’s positionless. Positionless defence,” Nurse said. “He’s probably optimal at his position, a wing player. Probably. But he does so good on two-guards and bigs when he needs to, as well.
He hasn’t really guarded his position in the last several games.”
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 