The New York Knicks’ bold acquisition of OG Anunoby is finally paying off, and in ways no one dared predict. Knicks bet $212.5M on Anunoby, and while Mikal Bridges, their high-profile summer trade, still struggles to find his groove, Anunoby is stealing the spotlight. A year after arriving from Toronto, the 6’7″ defensive maestro has morphed into an offensive force, and the Knicks couldn’t be happier.
Knicks Bet $212.5M on Anunoby: Was It a Genius Move or Sheer Madness?
Defensively, Anunoby has long been a beast. His ability to lock down the league’s top scorers made him a coveted prize. But let’s talk offense—where Anunoby is rewriting his own script. Through 17 games, he’s lighting up the scoreboard with a career-high 19.1 points per game, shooting a jaw-dropping 52% from the field and 42% from downtown. He’s also dominating the paint with a team-leading 34 dunks, nearly doubling Karl-Anthony Towns’ tally.
Why are dunks worth a second look? Simple—they’re a window into Anunoby’s scoring revolution. Of his 121 buckets this season, 77 are either three-pointers or dunks, a testament to his efficiency. Forget the wasteful long twos; only 4.8% of his shots come from beyond 16 feet. Anunoby’s shot diet is lean and mean, and the results are undeniable.
The Knicks’ faith in Anunoby is evident. After sending RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to land him, they doubled down by re-signing him to a colossal $212.5 million contract this summer. The gamble seems to be paying off. When Anunoby is on the floor, the Knicks boast a blistering net rating of +8.77, including a league-crushing offensive rating of 125.3. It’s no wonder they currently rank as the NBA’s second-best offense.
The burning question remains: Can the Knicks ride the Anunoby wave to the Finals? On paper, the trio of Anunoby, Towns, and Jalen Brunson is tantalizing. But reality bites—health has never been Anunoby’s strong suit. He’s cracked 70 games just once in his career, back in his rookie season. Yet, this year, he’s looking spry, having played every game so far.
For now, Knicks fans have reason to dream big. With Anunoby playing the best two-way basketball of his life, anything feels possible. But as the saying goes, don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Comments