OG Anunoby: The Knicks’ Defensive Cornerstone and All-Defensive Team Potential

OG Anunoby: A Defensive Dynamo for the New York Knicks

The NBA is often defined by offensive firepower, but championship teams are built on a foundation of strong defense. This season, the New York Knicks have quietly become one of the league’s top-10 defensive units, and a significant part of that success is due to the exceptional play of forward OG Anunoby.

All-Defensive Team Recognition

Traditionally, All-Defensive teams are dominated by centers and power forwards. However, Fred Katz of The Athletic recently highlighted the importance of perimeter defense, assembling a hypothetical All-Perimeter Defensive team for the 2025/26 season. And who made the first team? None other than the Knicks’ OG Anunoby.

Katz specifically pointed to a game against the Denver Nuggets as a prime example of Anunoby’s defensive prowess. In that contest, Anunoby was tasked with guarding a diverse range of offensive threats – including reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, athletic forward Aaron Gordon, sharpshooter Cameron Johnson, and versatile guard Bruce Brown. Remarkably, Anunoby effectively contained all of these assignments, showcasing his incredible versatility and defensive IQ.

Why Anunoby Elevates the Knicks’ Defense

The Knicks’ roster is built around the offensive talents of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, Anunoby’s presence provides a crucial defensive balance. He’s not just a capable defender; he’s a disruptive force who can switch seamlessly between positions, contest shots, and generate turnovers. His ability to guard multiple positions is invaluable in today’s NBA.

Katz’s All-Perimeter Defensive First Team

Joining Anunoby on Katz’s All-Perimeter Defensive first team are:

Derrick White (Boston Celtics)
Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)
Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), brother of Ausar, leads Katz’s second team.

Around the NBA: Coaching Carousel and Value

Beyond Anunoby’s defensive impact, the NBA landscape is always buzzing with news. Recent discussions have centered around potentially inflated coaching contracts, with some questioning the value of hiring “has-been” coaches at exorbitant prices. The comparison to Joel Embiid-level overpays has been made, suggesting that some teams may be overspending to secure veteran coaching talent. While coaches like Mike Malone and Mike Brown continue to find success, the market for experienced coaches remains competitive.

Finally, the news of a 70-year-old coach entering the collegiate ranks has also sparked debate about longevity and the demands of the profession.