While he may be the team’s third or fourth scoring option, OG Anunoby is averaging a career-high 17.5 points per game. His contributions on defense have been even more significant. Averaging 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, Anunoby has been instrumental in making the Knicks one of the league’s best teams at limiting opponents’ points off turnovers and second chances.
His statistical impact is impressive, but what really sets Anunoby apart is the trust he’s earned from coach Tom Thibodeau. Ranked eighth in the league in minutes played, Anunoby’s presence on the floor has been invaluable. While some fans may criticize Thibodeau for overusing his starters, Anunoby’s ability to make game-winning plays justifies his heavy workload better than anyone else on the roster.
Anunoby’s versatility is a nightmare for opponents. Standing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 240 pounds, he has the strength and agility to guard multiple positions, often disrupting offensive schemes with his court awareness and defensive IQ. His ability to seemingly be everywhere on the floor at once is exactly why the Knicks were willing to make such a significant trade in the first place.
While the team still ranks 18th in defensive rating, Anunoby’s role as a cornerstone of the defense ensures the Knicks are well-positioned to improve. With a relatively easy December schedule ahead of us, don’t be surprised if Anunoby leads the team on another run reminiscent of their dominant January last season.
Leon Rose’s gamble has paid off, as Anunoby continues to prove his worth on both ends of the floor. Whether it’s through his elite defense, ability to guard multiple positions, or quiet offensive efficiency, Anunoby has solidified himself as a crucial piece of the Knicks roster. Fans may have been hesitant at first, but it’s clear that this trade helped unlock the Knicks’ potential in ways not seen in years.