OG Anunoby made a significant defensive impact on a team with the NBA’s seventh-best defensive rating. His net rating was the best of any Knick who played more than half the season. He was also considered the best player in New York’s first-round playoff victory over the Hawks.
Local Praise vs. National Overlooking
Despite his contributions, Anunoby is, as his former college coach noted, “almost taken for granted,” particularly on a national level. In New York, he receives strong support, highlighted by “OG, OG” chants. He also received the largest contract in Knicks history, and extra emphasis is given to Anunoby’s name during starting lineup announcements.
Tom Crean, who coached Anunoby at Indiana University, expressed his frustration with the national attention, or lack thereof, Anunoby receives. Crean said it has “really always irritated me at a high level is the national attention he was getting for being such a good two-way player and being a legit first-team all-defense guy”. Crean added, “That’s what bothered me. Because that’s what he does. And I think that’s sometimes where because he’s not out there like that, people almost take him for granted. That’s kind of what it is.”
Defensive Player of the Year Voting
The Defensive Player of the Year voting underscored the lack of national recognition. Anunoby finished 10th in the voting. This finish gives him a solid chance — but no guarantee — of a second-team appearance, representing just the second of his career.
The star-level recognition, such as All-Star consideration, has eluded Anunoby.
Looking Ahead
While Anunoby has earned accolades and a lucrative contract, national recognition on par with his performance remains elusive.