Knicks’ OG Anunoby Makes His Case: ‘I Think I Should Win Defensive Player Of The Year’

New York Knicks’ OG Anunoby has seen it time and time again.

When he’s the one guarding, opponents look to pass the ball or call for a screen.

The last thing they want is facing him in isolation on the perimeter.

“I’ve always known it,” Anunoby said. “I’ve always known people do that.” 

As much as Anunoby wants recognition — “that’s pretty important to me,” he said Friday — the way players avoid him doesn’t show up in ways voters can track.

It’s often the players with the highest steal or block totals who get the defensive awards.

Out of the last 33 Defensive Player of the Year recipients, 27 have been either centers or power forwards.

“There’s no stats for [the offensive player calling a screen to avoid you]. There’s no stat for picking up a dribble to pass. Or shot attempts — like holding the other player to no shot attempts, there’s no stat for that,” Anunoby said. “So [voters] can’t really tell. They just always give it to the big men.” 

Anunoby’s lone All-Defense selection came in 2023, when he earned Second Team honors with the Toronto Raptors.

He’s already set a career-high in minutes played this season.

Anunoby is the Knicks’ leader in blocks.

Tied with Josh Hart for the most steals, no starter on the team has a better defensive rating than Anunoby.

“I think I should be on First Team All-Defense,” Anunoby said. “I think I should win Defensive Player of the Year. 

“I’ve always felt that way.”

Tyson Chandler’s 2013 selection is the last time a Knick made the All-Defense team.

Only two Knicks, Chandler and Charles Oakley, have earned the honor in the last 44 years.