OG Anunoby
To be perfectly clear, the Toronto Raptors don’t have to do anything this summer. As a playoff team with a rookie of Scottie Barnes’ caliber, they’re already in an enviable position. If they target Rudy Gobert, it’ll be because they feel he’s the missing piece for a deep playoff run.
The league’s Canadian representatives would be improving their floor balance with a deal centered around Gobert for Anunoby.
As currently constructed, they use a platoon of Thaddeus Young, Precious Achiuwa, and Khem Birch. All 3 of those guys are quality players, not none provide even a modicum of the rim protection that Gobert does.
Meanwhile, the Dinos are stacked with versatile, defensive-minded wing/forwards. That’s largely by design. The team seems to be tripling down on that player archetype in an effort to overwhelm opponents with length and playmaking.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Exec Believes Warriors Could Trade For Jazz Star Rudy Gobert
Fans of experimental basketball won’t want them to deviate from the formula, but it’s hard not to imagine how dominant their defense could be with Gobert at the helm.
Losing Anunoby stings. He’s an elite 3-and-D wing with the ability to create shots for himself and others in a pinch. The Raptors may not deem Gobert worth the cost, but if they do, the Utah Jazz would be happy to receive Anunoby in exchange for their star center.
He’s exactly the type of building block they’ll need if they’re forced into a rebuild.
