Knicks' OG Anunoby Top 5 Free Agent?

A recent injury has done nothing to deter critics' offseason faith in New York Knicks newcomer OG Anunoby, who is set to be one of the most sought-after free agents.

The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season changed after they acquired former Toronto Raptors small forward OG Anunoby, adding him to the fold in a Dec. 30 trade. New York won 12 of its first 14 games with Anunoby in its lineup before losing him to an elbow injury that has sidelined him for multiple weeks. 

Anunoby's health isn't the only concern the Knicks have to consider, as he's set to hit free agency upon the denial of a $19.9 million player option that carried over from Ontario. The former Raptor was named a top-five free agent to watch on this summer's market in the latest from Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report.

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"Anunoby's malleability was obvious the moment he joined the New York Knicks earlier this season," Bailey writes. "He'll happily take on the opposition's toughest defensive assignment, without demanding a high-usage role on the other end. Anunoby will ably space the floor and hit catch-and-shoot threes."

"His willingness to do those less glamorous things on offense can make life an awful lot easier for ball-handlers."

Anunoby is averaging 15.6 points per game with the Knicks on over 51 percent shooting from the field. The Knicks (33-21) have been hit hard by Anunoby's absence, as they're 4-4 since he last took the floor on Jan. 27 and allowing 109.8 points per game, over nine more than the defensive average in his first 14 showings.

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With an impact like that, it's no surprise that Anunoby will have his share of suitors come the summer. But considering the Knicks traded away two of their most prominent trade pieces to land him, it's clear they have every intention to start the bidding.

Sans Anunoby, the Knicks will play their final game before the All-Star break on Wednesday when they face the Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET, MSG).