O.G Anunoby Thinks He is The Best Defender in the League

The Toronto Raptors won the 2019 NBA Championship thanks to their defense and hustle. Players like Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka, and Marc Gasol lead the way. However, there were also two players at the time that were flying under the radar for their defensive capability. Fred VanVleet was one of them. The other, is OG Anunoby, who recently stated that he thinks he is the best defender in the league.

"I've always thought I was the best defender in the league."

Defensive Player of the Year OG Anunoby got a nice ring to it... 👀 pic.twitter.com/ww1nmha2s8

— THE SHIFT (@theshift_sports) November 3, 2022

Anunoby was drafted 23rd overall in 2017 by the Raptors. He started off as a solid bench player who could shoot the ball and guard the best player on the opposing team. After the departure of Leonard following the Raptors' championship run, Anunoby was placed in the starting lineup. Since then, he was proven he can be one of the best defenders in the league.

The start of this season has been no different for Anunoby. He is currently averaging 2.9 steals per game which leads the league. The last two games in particular he has been absolutely stellar. In the game against the Atlanta Hawks, Anunoby recorded six steals. He followed that up with five steals in the game against the San Antonio Spurs. 

Most SPG this season:

2.6 — OG Anunoby
2.5 — Fred VanVleet
2.5 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Yes, the Raptors lead the league in SPG. pic.twitter.com/J232gLCAUC

— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 2, 2022

Anunoby has always been a great defender in the league. Unfortunately, due to his quiet demeanor, he sometimes does not get the credit he deserves. That is why hearing him speak up and advocate for himself as the best defender in the league is great to hear. He is usually assigned to guard the best offensive player on the opposing team and can guard positions 1-4. 

The real test will come on Friday night when the Raptors play Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic has been torching the league this season. He has a streak of at least 30 points per game in the last seven games. Anunoby will have the tough task of guarding Doncic, which will make for an interesting matchup to watch. 

Photo credit Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports