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Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, who is entering his second year as the team's head coach, has big plans for incoming OG Anunoby this 2019-20 season.
Nurse wants Anunoby to be the team's primary defender, and he believes the 22-year-old forward has the tools to do it.
Nurse praised Anunoby's camp, said he's looked physically and mentally refreshed. He adds that they plan on using OG as a primary defender this season, guarding 4 positions, from the 1-4. "He's got a desire to go out and guard people and he's got the tools to do it too."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 20, 2019
Anunoby missed the Raptors' championship run last season after he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. He underwent a successful appendectomy back in April.
He's expected to be ready for Toronto on opening night when they face the Houston Rockets.
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The Raps lost Kawhi Leonard in the offseason. The reigning Finals MVP decided to join the Los Angeles Clippers, which left the Raptors with a massive hole to fill.
Nurse understands that one player won't be enough to cover that gap, so he will rely on every member of the roster to give their 100 percent on a nightly basis.
Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam will be the team's primary offensive weapons, while Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka will be their anchors on defense. Fred VanVleet will be their main guy off the bench.
Overall, the Raptors are still a decent squad. In fact, some experts predict that they will still finish in the top four of the Eastern Conference standings. However, Toronto will definitely be better if Anunoby will be able to prove himself as an above-average defender.
Raptors players still believe they can win the championship this season, and they will carry that confidence win or lose. The road to the title was never easy, even when Leonard was on board. So they're expecting a more challenging season ahead of them.
