NBA Playoffs 2020: 5 reasons the Toronto Raptors can win it all

5. The Raptors’ secret weapon, OG

The Raptors’ roster is jam-packed with potential game-changers for a playoff series, but OG Anunoby — someone who didn’t have much of an impact on their title season during a turbulent and injury-riddled year — might be the most overlooked X-factor of all.

At 6-foot-7 and 232 pounds, Anunoby has the length, quickness and core strength to make life hell for any of the league’s premier wings and big men alike. He may not “stop” the likes of LeBron, Kawhi or Giannis, but he’ll absolutely make them work every second they’re on the floor. His ability to guard positions 1-5 grants head coach Nick Nurse extra versatility in his lineups, whether the situation calls for small-ball with Anunoby at the 5 or placing him at the 2 in a jumbo lineup with Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol sharing the frontcourt.

Aside from being an All-Defensive team candidate with a knack for playing passing lanes, Anunoby is also sneakily useful on the offensive end. Containing Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell is difficult enough as it is, but Anunoby’s ability to make defenses pay when matched up with their weakest link can be a huge advantage when he’s properly engaged.

Not only was the third-year wing shooting 50.7 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent on 3s before the season went on hiatus, but his shot quality is extremely good and in shot clock situations defined as “late” (4-7 seconds remaining) or “very late” (0-4 seconds) by NBA.com, he’s made 48 of his 92 attempts (52.2 percent).

He doesn’t get the brunt of those late shot clock looks as a very low-usage player, but late in a playoff game, when opponents are trapping to get the ball out of Lowry and Siakam’s hands, that ability to convert could come up big as long as Toronto keeps him involved.

From his imposing, rangy defense to being able to showing flashes when this shorthanded group needed his offense, this 22-year-old is flying too far below people’s radars. The Raptors may be able to use that to their advantage.