OG Anunoby first appeared for the New York Knicks against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Monday’s NBA action following his recent trade from the Toronto Raptors.
The trade featured RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley moving to the Raptors. Anunoby, who will don the number 8 jersey for the Knicks, expressed his enthusiasm multiple times about joining the team.
“Just to start playing, just excited to get it going with my teammates and play at MSG in front of the fans. Just really excited,” Anunoby, who will wear No. 8, said during a pregame press conference. “I think it’s a tough group, resilient group, and we all just want to win. So, I think I’ll fit right in with that. Just doing anything it takes to win games.
“I always loved playing here as an opposing player, so to play here, play all my home games here, is really exciting.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks Updates
The 26-year-old wing player, a 2019 NBA champion with the Raptors, is renowned for his 3-and-D capabilities, leading the NBA in steals last season while maintaining a 37.5 percent career average in 3-point shooting.
Anunoby’s integration into the Knicks has been swift, with a morning walk-through under coach Tom Thibodeau’s guidance. He commented on his eagerness to start playing at Madison Square Garden, appreciating the team’s resilience and desire to win. Anunoby, a London-born athlete known for his defensive skills and three-point shooting, fits well into Thibodeau’s demanding style of play.
“I think so. I think I’m a tough player. His players are tough, they play hard, they play to win. I think I do all of those things,” Anunoby said. “I got sent some plays. And then I came early, and went through some plays on the court.
“Offensive and defensive terminology talked to the coaches, and we just had a walkthrough, a little bit more of the same,” Anunoby explained. “Just going to review some more stuff before the game, and just try to get ready.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks Updates
Joining Anunoby in the trade were his Toronto teammates Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, though Flynn is sidelined for the Timberwolves game due to an ankle injury.
Anunoby acknowledged the significance of playing at the Garden and is approaching his potential free agency with a day-by-day mindset. He leaves negotiations to his agents at CAA, the same agency formerly led by Knicks president Leon Rose.
“I just take it day-by-day. I let my agents handle that stuff,” Anunoby said. “When the time comes, figure it out, but I’m really excited to be here.”
Eager and ready for his new chapter with the Knicks, Anunoby is focused on making an immediate impact.
