Almost a week after the New York Knicks traded for swingman OG Anunoby, the former NBA Champion has already shown his value, proving why the franchise traded for the elite two-way wing.
In just two games, Anunoby's presence has already been felt, providing a spark for the Knicks on both sides of the ball.
OG Anunoby Seamlessly Transitions to the New York Knicks
In his Knicks debut, he was able to provide a scoring punch. Dropping 17 points to go with his six rebounds on an efficient 58 percent shooting from the field.
However, where Anunoby really shined wasn't counted in the box score, guarding. Timberwolves stars Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards had several plays broken up by OG. Showing why Anunoby is one of the best defensive players in the league.
He followed up this performance with an 11-point game against the Chicago Bulls. Anunoby proved to be a pest on defense to opposing teams, getting two steals along with spearheading another great defensive performance against the Bulls.
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New York Knicks Stars and OG Anunoby
It's clear that Annouby's arrival has been a bright spot for the Knicks so far, giving them another option in playing off of stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Annouby, who led the league in steals last season with the Toronto Raptors, has helped shore up the defense for the Knicks, especially after losing a massive interior force like center Mitchell Robinson. This helps free up Brunson and Randle, who don't have to guard the opposing team's best player as often now.
OG has already proven to be a good floor spacer, which opens up the court, giving Julius Randle more space to operate for his game. Anunoby has also provided depth on the wing after the Knicks traded away RJ Barrett to acquire him.
In Anunoby sharing minutes with Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart; this gives the Knicks another big body defender in a conference where some of the best players are on the wing. OG will find himself defending against Eastern Conference stars such as Jalen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Jimmy Butler.
Anunoby was a major part in the Raptors 2019 NBA Championship run. Kwahi Leonard led the roster as OG became a member of the NBA All-Defense team in 2023.
So far this season Anunoby is averaging 15.1 points per game on 48% shooting as he looks to continue to make an impact for the New York Knicks.
Moves The New York Knicks Can Make After the OG Anunoby Trade
OG Anunoby will probably not be the only player joining the Knicks through trade. It was reported that the Knicks are remaining active in the trade market.
With the Knick's interest in Atlanta Hawks Dejuntae Murray, along with the possibility of other big names joining the roster; it's likely more changes will likely come to the New York Knicks this season.
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