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When a trade as big as the one between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors is completed in the NBA, normally it takes a little while for the teams to adjust. Inserting new players into a lineup means some patience will have to be exhibited as teams look to build chemistry and get used to new roles.
However, for the Knicks, the transition thus far has been seamless. OG Anunoby was the prize of the trade package they received in return for Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and a 2024 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons.
Anunoby was inserted right into the starting small forward spot formerly occupied by Barrett and he has made an immediate impact. Through two games the Knicks are +54 with him on the court as he has showcased his impactful two-way skill set instantly. Most importantly, the Knicks are 2-0 since the trade.
It has not taken long for Anunoby to endear himself to head coach Tom Thibodeau, his Knicks teammates and their fans. His style of play is one that makes him easy to root for and one of his former head coaches isn’t surprised at all about how things have transpired out of the gate.
Tom Crean, Anunoby’s head coach collegiately at Indiana, recently made an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio and spoke about his former player. He touched on a number of topics, such as how Anunboy will fit with the Knicks and what he brings to the table. In Crean’s opinion, it is a match made in heaven.
“He’s always loved New York…They’re gonna love him…I think it changes the whole outlook of the East immediately,” Crean said.
"He's always loved New York…They're gonna love him…I think it changes the whole outlook of the East immediately."
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 3, 2024
–– OG Anunoby's Indiana coach Tom Crean pic.twitter.com/IzHqyOPZXv
“He’ll fit into the fabric of the city & the Knicks…He’s an old soul in a lot of ways, a very caring person, but he’s got an incredible drive––I’d almost say it’s an insatiable drive to be great & to win,” Crean added via Peter Botte of the New York Post.
So far so good when it comes to Anunoby’s fit in New York. He has lived up to his billing as a 3-and-D star, knocking down 4-of-10 3-point attempts, and scoring 28 points with 14 rebounds, three assists and four steals.
He has opened things up for the Knicks on offense, as defending Julius Randle inside the arc has become virtually impossible. Being able to kick the ball out to Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo and Quentin Grimes in the corners makes teams stay at home and enables Randle to go to work in one-on-one matchups.
Defensively, however, is where Anunoby is a true difference maker. He has defended Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and DeMar DeRozan through two games and all three have struggled when matched up against him. That kind of defensive stopper is what the Knicks were missing when facing off against upper echelon teams in the NBA and they now have that piece with Anunoby.
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