OG Anunoby is the newest New York Knick, and his impact raises a big question about the team’s future. Anunoby gives a new threat to the Knicks’ offense that was in need of floor spacing.
What’s Next For the Knicks After the Anunoby Trade?
Why Was Anunoby Valued in Trade Talks?
The trade that rocked the NBA world has everyone questioning if the Knicks gave up too much. Although RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley changed the narrative that the Knicks can’t develop young talent, Anunoby’s skills rank highly.
Anunoby offers the Knicks a 37.5 three-point percentage for his career. In comparison, Barrett has a three-point percentage of 34.3 in his Knicks career. In addition, shooting impacts games, especially in the playoffs, where Anunoby will receive clean looks from Jalen Brunson’s passes.
The value Anunoby gave the Toronto Raptors, above all, was his defensive IQ. Most important to teams aiming to acquire him was his seven-foot-two wingspan. Anunoby bumps defenders consistently and closes out effectively on shooters, even the best in the league.
Just ask Jayson Tatum how tough Anunoby is to get past. Tatum averages 18.9 points on 45% shooting from the field when matched up against Anunoby in his career.
A year ago, prior to a Celtics-Raptors game, Tatum said this about Anunoby:
“Just to see his game develop since we were 15 years old till now. I’ll probably see him in Utah for the All-Star Game. Hell of a player!”
What’s Next for the New Big 3?
Anunoby’s two-way play gives the Knicks’ star players more room to drive to the basket. Furthermore, it expands shot attempts and assists opportunities for Brunson and Julius Randle. With Randle and Brunson each attempting around 18 shots per game, Anunoby’s unselfish play allows them to have a higher volume.
Anunoby attempts 12 shots a game for the season, opening up roughly 14 shot attempts for New York. The combined shot attempts for the now-traded Barrett and Quickley were 26. Anunoby plays a winning style of basketball with his efficient play.
The Knicks desperately needed a corner specialist in the starting lineup, and now they have two. Alongside Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo knocks down threes at around a 45% clip. In addition, Anunoby drills 44% of his corner threes, which is an asset for Randle and Brunson’s kick-out assists.
How Has Anunoby Looked So Far on the Knicks?
Anunoby has endeared himself to Madison Square Garden in his first week. In his Knicks debut, Anunoby put up 17 points and six rebounds against the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of the best teams in the West. He followed this performance with an 11-point and eight-rebound night against the Chicago Bulls.
These two performances in his first week cement his status as an exceptional role player whose play will be magnified in a playoff setting. Alongside this, his acquisition allows the Knicks to be more flexible in the assets they can move at the trade deadline. Moving along from Barrett and Quickley allows the Knicks to move first-round picks for potential stars like Donovan Mitchell or Karl-Anthony Towns.
