The campaign for O.G. Anunoby to earn All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year consideration has picked up two major endorsements.

This year, Anunoby has made another leap in his development, averaging a career-best 19.1 points and 5.8 rebounds to go along with a league-leading 2.3 steals per game. Following Toronto's meeting with Boston on Monday, MVP candidate Jayson Tatum and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart had plenty of good things to say about Anunoby and his play.

"I told him before the game started that I'll probably see him in Utah for the All-Star Game," Tatum said of Anunoby. "That's how well he's been playing."

There might not be many people more qualified to speak on Anunoby's growth than Tatum, whose relationship with Anunoby dates back nearly a decade. The two were AAU teammates with the St. Louis Eagles.

"[He's] a good friend of mine, somebody I'm really happy for," Tatum continued. "Just to see how much his game has developed from when we were 15 years old until now."

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While Tatum discussed the All-Star push, it was Smart that focused on Anunoby's defensive prowess. When it comes to qualifications to speak on something, Smart knows a thing or two about playing elite defense.

"That's a guy you gotta watch," Smart said of Anunoby. "When he's on the court, when he's around — he's physical, he's athletic enough to guard anybody, he's strong enough to guard anybody and he doesn't give up."

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Smart, who has had his fair share of battles with the Raptors over the years, was sure to weave in a compliment to the team before giving his Defensive Player of the Year stamp to Anunoby.

"He's on a team where they play just as hard as he does, so this is a perfect fit, and he's only going to continue to get better … one day, I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the D.P.O.Y. race, let alone win it."

The day that Smart speaks of could come as soon as the end of this year, as Anunoby has firmly established himself as one of the league's best defenders with his relentlessness and defensive versatility. At the very least, Anunoby will earn much-deserved consideration for an All-Defensive Team.

MORE: O.G. Anunoby sets goal to win Defensive Player of the Year

Having already picked up an endorsement from Luka Doncic earlier in the season, Anunoby continues to grab the attention of the league's premier players. 

They say that game recognizes game, so more accolades are sure to follow.