O.G. Anunoby
To most, O.G. Anunoby is known as a defensive-minded player. He’s fast enough to stay in front of smaller guards and strong enough to guard bigs. He’s a unique talent at the small forward position.
His offensive game has been a slow progression over the past few years. The Raptors run an equal-opportunity offense to some extent, so there are opportunities for OG to expand what he does on offense.
These next few weeks will allow for O.G. to show more of his offensive capabilities. Pascal Siakam will be out with a groin injury he sustained in Dallas over the weekend. The Raptors will need offense from others while their top scorer is out rehabbing an injury. O.G. will have as many opportunities as he can handle to increase his scoring production.
Currently, O.G. is averaging 15.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Defensively he’s also made an impact, averaging 3 steals and 1 block a game. This week his offensive usage rate will significantly increase. He’s a solid addition to any team that needs a two-way forward that can impact several categories.
De Anthony Melton
De Anthony Melton will have an increase in minutes over the next month. James Harden sustained a foot strain that will keep him out for at least a month. Melton will share the guard position with Tyrese Maxey during that time. Neither of them is a pure point guard or dynamic playmaker.
This season Melton is currently averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals a game. He’s a capable shooter from beyond the arch. His efficiency is not the greatest, but he’s an adequate shot-maker.
Over the next month, Melton will have the opportunity to increase his offensive production. He won’t have to worry about minutes because the Sixers have no choice but to rely on him. Mellon is a solid addition if you need a player that can have big games now and then. The majority of his contributions will come from the points category. His percentages will likely be a detriment to any team, but he's worth adding as he will have the minutes to increase his production.
Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas is a worthy addition this week. He’s a young player with a lot of potential. In the early part of this year, he had several DNPs as he was out of the rotation. With the recent firing
Steve Nash, there’s been a sudden increase in his minutes. Some of it has to do with the recent injury of Ben Simmons and the suspension of Kyrie Irving. Cam Thomas’s stats over the last two games were 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Cam will have the opportunity to play this next week with Kyrie and Simmons out. There’s no telling where his minutes will be when those guys return. For now, he’s a good add considering he’s played well when given the opportunity and will have the minutes to produce with their injuries.
Jalen Suggs
Jalen Suggs has been inconsistent at times in his short career. There are games where he plays outstanding. Then there are games where he’s below average. With Cole Anthony out, Suggs will have consistent minutes to produce. He won’t have to look at the bench and be worried about his minutes because he made a poor play or missed a shot. He can go out there and play freely. Currently, Suggs is averaging 13 points, 4.4 assists, and 3 rebounds with poor efficiency.
One issue with Suggs' game is that his offense affects his defense. If he’s playing poorly on offense, he allows that to impact his aggressiveness on defense. Suggs still has a ways to go as a player. This next month will be good for his development and confidence. He’s a good gamble to add, considering he will have the minutes to produce. He’s a 50-50 gamble, as you never know what you will get from him. The upside is undeniably there with Suggs.
Alperen Seguin
Alperen Seguin is a throwback player. He’s a big man with a strong post presence. He’s been consistent as a professional. If given more opportunities, he’d be dominating even more in the post. This season he’s currently averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 60 percent from the field. On offense, he’s skilled and knows how to get to his spots in the post.
His defense still needs some work. He's slow-footed and has trouble when he switches on to guards. With time he may figure it out, but it will be hard to see him as a big who could effectively switch onto the perimeter.
Seguin is a unique talent, considering how big men play now. He’s a throwback player who likes to play with his back to the basket. Seguin is a solid addition to any team. He will provide a positive impact in several categories. He’s a good pickup this week and for weeks to come.