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Knicks Need OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby has proven to be extremely valuable for the New York Knicks.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center John Collins (20) dribbles the ball against New York Knicks forward/guard OG Anunoby (8) during the second half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center John Collins (20) dribbles the ball against New York Knicks forward/guard OG Anunoby (8) during the second half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images / Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks made it their mission to acquire OG Anunoby in a trade from the Toronto Raptors for a while, and they were finally able to pull the trigger in December of last year.

Anunoby was an immediate difference-maker for the Knicks last season and he has been even better after signing a long-term deal to stay in New York for five years.

"He’s long, quick, and strong. There’s no backing him down in the post. There’s no blowing by him off the dribble. There’s no screening him off the ball if he doesn’t want to switch," Michael Pina of The Ringer writes. "Anunoby can be a bit rigid with the ball in his hands, but that shortcoming isn’t a concern next to Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns. When he’s healthy—which, to be fair, has been only about two-thirds of the past four seasons—few role players are bigger stars within the space they occupy."

Anunoby is the head of the snake for the Knicks on the defensive end of the floor, and that can be extremely refreshing for a team that has a number of offensive stars.

While the Knicks have struggled on the defensive end of the floor this season, Anunoby has been one of the bright spots for the team. As the Knicks look to figure out how to get better stopping the ball, Anunoby needs to be the one leading the charge.

In order for the Knicks to get things right on defense, Anunoby must play up to his All-Defensive level. If he doesn't, then the Knicks might not be as far along as they thought and they may need to go back to the drawing board.

The Knicks are back in action tomorrow against the Charlotte Hornets. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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