Toronto Raptors small forward OG Anunoby is the only D’Tigers-eligible player of Nigerian descent listed in Hoopshype’s top 100 players ahead of the 2023/24 NBA season scheduled to begin with a preseason on Thursday, October 5.
Anunoby who was listed in Nigeria’s senior men’s national basketball team D’Tigers roster for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo missed out on the event due to personal reasons. He was a first-round 23rd overall selection by the Raptors in 2017.
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The 26-year-old has attracted trade interest from a couple of NBA teams but is yet to sign a mega contract extension with the Raptors was ranked No. 69. Although there have been several trade rumours around the player, Anunoby seems unfazed.
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“I love Toronto so I want to be here,” the London-born player said also stating that he’s left all contract extension talks to his agency.
Regarded as one of the best two-way players in the league, Anunoby led the NBA in steals last season. Despite his defensive prowess, he was as much as efficient offensively averaging 16.8 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game.
Although his performance last season earned him his first career NBA All-Defensive team honours with a second-team selection last season, he hopes to increase those numbers considerably this season.
Other NBA players of Nigerian descent on the list include Portland Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton (75), Memphis Grizzlies small forward Desmond Bane (42), Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo (28), and Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmp (3).
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