OG Anunoby, one of the NBA’s most versatile defenders, has confidently declared that he believes he should be named Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). The New York Knicks forward, who is in his second season with the team, made the bold statement recently, expressing that his defensive impact goes beyond what traditional stats can capture.
“I think I should be on First Team All-Defense. I think I should win Defensive Player of the Year,” Anunoby said, via New York Daily News. The 27-year-old has already made a name for himself as one of the league’s top defensive players, earning a spot on the 2023 All-Defensive Second Team during his time with the Toronto Raptors. However, now with the Knicks, he feels his game has reached a new level.
Anunoby’s argument against the conventional box score statistics highlights an important issue in the evaluation of defense in the modern NBA. “There are no stats for getting around screens,” he explained. “There’s no stat for picking up a dribble to pass or [taking away] shot attempts. So they can’t really tell.” His words reflect a growing sentiment among players and analysts that defense is more nuanced than what traditional metrics can account for.
Known for his ability to guard multiple positions, Anunoby has consistently been a nightmare for opposing offenses. His combination of size, strength, and agility allows him to switch seamlessly between defending big men and perimeter players, a rare skill that sets him apart from many other defenders in the league.
Anunoby’s candid remarks also touch on the frequent bias towards awarding DPOY to big men. “Big men. They just always give it to the big men,” he said, referring to the trend where centers and power forwards dominate the conversation for defensive accolades. While rim protection is certainly important, Anunoby’s case centers on the broader impact a player can have without necessarily filling the stat sheet with blocks.
This season, Anunoby is putting up career-high numbers, averaging 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game in 36.6 minutes. His offensive game has improved, but it’s his defense that continues to be his calling card. Anunoby’s defensive awareness, ability to disrupt passing lanes, and shutdown perimeter defense have made him one of the league’s most feared defenders.
As the New York Knicks (48-28) sit comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference and have already secured a playoff spot, Anunoby’s presence on both ends of the floor has been crucial. His defensive abilities have helped propel the Knicks to one of the best records in the league, with his individual contributions playing a significant role in their success.
