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Knicks Thankful for OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby has transformed the New York Knicks on defense.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Nov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks pride themselves on being a defensive-minded team. The leader of that initiative is OG Anunoby, who has emerged into becoming one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau explained what makes Anunoby a strong presence on defense.

“The size, quickness, anticipation, thinking ahead, the versatility, where the league has gone, the ability to play size," Thibodeau said h/t Posting and Toasting. "Because of his strength, combined with his speed and athleticism, he’s very disruptive on the back side. It’s important for every player to understand what their strengths are, and he came into the league with that. Experience has also taught him a lot. ... Long wings—there’s a premium on that in our league.”

Anunoby always likes to think one or two steps ahead of his matchup in order to get his desired outcome on defense.

“It’s really getting into the ball before the screen comes," Anunoby said. "When (my teammates) communicate before the screen is set, I know where it’s coming from. It’s easier to get through. When you’re disconnected (from the ballhandler), it’s a lot harder.”

But Anunoby's work on the defensive end of the floor doesn't start on the court. It starts with studying the opponent leading up to games. That makes his job far easier on gamedays.

“Knowing personnel, knowing the plays they’re going to run, and then just communication from everyone—if I might not know something, I’m hoping someone says something, and then I’m able to make something happen," Anunoby said.

It wasn't a coincidence last season that the Knicks defense and record drastically improved once the team acquired Anunoby. If the Knicks can get a healthy season out of him this year, they could have one of the best defenses in the NBA.

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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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