OG is the newest member of the New York Knicks. Will he prove to be the difference maker?
Well, it finally happened. After months of rumors and speculation, the Knicks acquired OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for R.J Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second round pick. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news last Saturday afternoon.
The timing of the trade was definitely a surprise. Especially considering the fact that the Knicks were heading into the second of back to back road games. Ultimately, due to R.J Barrett’s continuous struggles and Immanuel Quickley’s contract situation, The Knicks had to make a move. The question is will this end up being the right move down the road?
The Presence of Anunoby
Fortunately, based on the two games that Anunoby has played with the Knicks, he seems to be the perfect fit for this team. He’s been such a force on the defensive end and has been able to get his points in the flow of the offensive. Whether it’s catch and shoot 3’s, smart cuts to the basket, or easy points in transition. Anunoby has let the offense come to him while also moving the ball.
The 3 and D wing is crucial in today’s NBA. Anunoby has been one of the best players in that category for the past few years and he’s continued to prove this so far with the Knicks.
OG Anunoby highlights in his Knicks debut ????????
The Praise
Anunoby’s 6’7 232 pound frame is the biggest reason why the Knicks made this trade. His strength mixed with his competitiveness and skill makes the Knicks more versatile, which is something they have needed desperately. Anunoby has been able to make an instant impact on this team, which has been noticed by Coach Thibodeau and his new teammates.
When you receive praise like this in such a small amount of time, it speaks volumes. Anunoby has flown under the radar during his time in the league. If he continues to play like this in New York, he can really emerge into something great. Only time will tell.
Moving The Needle
In the grand scheme of things, Anunoby might be a good addition to the team but the Knicks still have ways to go when it comes to title contention. As of now, Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia are all better than the Knicks in the Eastern Conference. New York still needs to find a way to add another piece in order to be in that championship contending pool.
Also, even though Anunoby is a good addition to the team, losing Immanuel Quickley hurts the Knicks. They will need to figure out a way to make up for his scoring off of the bench. Recently, G Miles McBride signed to a 3yr/$13 million dollar extension to stay with the Knicks. He’s a scrappy defender that can also shoot from the perimeter. McBride’s playing time has been limited in the past. We’ll see if he can make up for Quickley’s void off the bench.
In the end, the addition of OG Anunoby is going to be a huge help for the Knicks this season and beyond. He is currently in the third year of his 4 yr/$72 million dollar extension he signed with the Raptors a couple of seasons ago. Anunoby has already made his mark and if the Knicks can manage his contract situation right, he can be a big contributor for years to come. The Knicks might still need another game changing player to contend with the Elite teams but acquiring Anunoby seems to be a step in the right direction. Welcome to NY OG!
