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OG Anunoby expects a more aggressive DeMar DeRozan to come to town

Originally posted on FanNation All Bulls
By Stephen Beslic | Last updated 4/12/23

The Toronto Raptors know they’ll have some rowdy visitors at the Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday when the Chicago Bulls come over to do battle for the chance to move on to the NBA Playoffs. Raptors forward OG Anunoby, though, doesn’t plan to roll out the red carpet for Bulls star DeMar DeRozan, as he thinks Deebo will come out with more aggression with the season on the line.

Knows what’s coming

Anunoby played with the crafty veteran when he was a rookie, so he has a solid grasp of what to expect. And although the Raptors were successful in containing DeRozan in the regular season, holding him down to an average of 14 points in their three match-ups, Anunoby expects the Bulls star to somehow find a way to score.

“He’ll probably be more aggressive,” said Anunoby. “He’ll definitely be more aggressive on Wednesday. We’re trying to limit his touches and force him out as much as possible, try to make it as difficult as possible.”

Even though DeRozan is already getting up there in age at 33-years-old, the USC product remains one of the most potent and efficient scorers in the NBA today. He averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in the regular season, using a unique blend of midrange jumpers and foul-baiting mastery.

Learned from one of the best

Anunoby admits that DeRozan is one of the toughest players to cover in the NBA. However, he’s picked up his own tricks to develop into a formidable defender.

“When I came in, I was definitely over-aggressive, biting on his head fakes and stuff and just little tricks he had,” said Anunoby. “Definitely learned from him.”

Though they played together for just a season, Anunoby had nothing but fond memories of his former teammate.

“DeMar was really nice to me. He’s a good guy,” Anunoby continued. “He’s still a very good friend of mine. Just a great teammate. We all looked up to him. He did a good job teaching us.”