Knicks' OG Anunoby Makes Case for Defensive Player of the Year Amid Offensive Surge

DPOY Ambitions: Anunoby confidently stated, "I think I should win Defensive Player of the Year. I’ve always felt that way." He also believes he deserves First Team All-Defense honors.

Beyond the Stats: He highlights that traditional stats like steals and blocks don't capture his full defensive impact, such as opponents actively avoiding him, passing away, or calling for screens. "There’s no stats for [the offensive player calling a screen to avoid you]...They just always give it to the big men," Anunoby noted, referencing the historical trend of centers winning the award.

Improved Availability: After battling injuries in past seasons, Anunoby has logged a career-high in minutes this campaign, boosting his case through consistent availability.

Knicks Impact: Anunoby leads the Knicks starters in defensive rating and tops the team in blocks. His presence has contributed to the Knicks improving defensively, recently ranking 13th in the league.

Offensive Surge: With Jalen Brunson sidelined, Anunoby has stepped up offensively, averaging over 23 points during a recent 14-game stretch and posting eight straight games with at least 23 points.

Drawing Fouls: He's significantly increased his free throw attempts, averaging 5.2 per game compared to 2.5 before Brunson's injury, largely by aggressively attacking the basket and utilizing a step-through move.

Why this matters: Anunoby's elite two-way play provides a massive boost for the Knicks, especially heading into the playoffs. His ability to lock down opponents while shouldering a bigger offensive load makes New York a more dangerous team.

Q: Why does OG Anunoby feel overlooked for defensive awards?

A: Anunoby believes his primary impact—forcing opponents to avoid him or pass away—isn't captured by traditional stats like steals or blocks, which voters often prioritize. He also notes the historical bias towards centers winning the DPOY award.

Q: What makes Anunoby's defense so effective?

A: His combination of size, strength, quickness, and anticipation allows him to effectively guard multiple positions on the perimeter and disrupt offensive schemes, often deterring players from even attempting to score against him one-on-one.

Q: How has his offensive role changed recently?

A: With Jalen Brunson out, Anunoby has become a more aggressive scorer, particularly attacking the rim and drawing fouls, showcasing offensive skills beyond his typical catch-and-shoot role.

Dual Threat: OG Anunoby is proving he's more than just a defensive specialist; his recent offensive performance shows he can be a significant two-way force.

Knicks' Playoff Hopes: His elite defense and newfound scoring punch are crucial for the Knicks' success, especially filling the void left by Brunson's absence and heading into the playoffs.

Award Watch: Keep an eye on the DPOY race; Anunoby is making a strong, albeit statistically less conventional, case for himself. His performance challenges the traditional view of what constitutes award-worthy defense.

Source 1: Knicks’ OG Anunoby declares ‘I should win Defensive Player of the Year’{:target="_blank"}

Source 2: NBA trends I’m watching: Giannis’ playmaking, OG Anunoby drawing fouls and more{:target="_blank"}

Source 3: OG Anunoby's dominant stretch a good sign for Knicks heading into playoffs{:target="_blank"}