When OG Anunoby first showed up in New York at the 2023-24 trade deadline, he immediately helped vault the Knicks into title contenders.
His combination of elite defense, mixed with his three-point shooting, and ability to score in transition was the perfect fit for a Knicks roster that was looking to hit another level at the time.
Mike Brown speaks highly of OG Anunoby’s defensive abilities
Anunoby quickly became a favorite of former head coach Tom Thibodeau, opting to play Anunoby with all sorts of lineups due to the versatility he brings. Now, with Mike Brown at the helm instead of Thibodeau, he is also talking highly of the 28-year-old forward, even going as far as to compare him to some of the best defenders to ever play in the NBA.
“First-team All Defense. He is more than capable. Really it’s up to him. That’s how good he is on that end of the floor,” Brown said to SNY’s Ian Begley. “And I’ve been around those guys; Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan. I’ve been around a few of them and he’s right there.”
Anunoby experienced one of the best seasons of his NBA career last season, averaging a career-best 18.0 points per game to go along with 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per night. He has been key to each of the Knicks’ last two playoff runs, and figures to play an important role once again as the Knicks look to secure their first NBA championship since 1973 this season.