When OG Anunoby first joined the New York Knicks, he quickly found a way to contribute, even without knowing all the team’s plays. In his debut game against the Timberwolves, he told point guard Jalen Brunson, “I’m going to keep cutting.” Anunoby did just that, using his smart off-ball movement to slice through the defense for easy baskets. This simple but effective strategy immediately gave the Knicks’ offense a new dynamic.
Now, with Mike Brown taking over as the new head coach, many are wondering how the team’s style might evolve. A key point of interest is how Brown plans to use a versatile player like Anunoby. His role on both offense and defense could look quite different in the upcoming season, offering exciting new possibilities for the team.
🏃♂️ Playing Faster on Offense
One of the biggest changes under Mike Brown could be the team’s pace. At his first press conference, Brown said he wants the Knicks to play faster. This style could be perfect for Anunoby, who is excellent at running the floor in transition. A faster game means more fast-break opportunities, which could lead to more dunks and easy layups for him. Last season, the Knicks often slowed down and started their offensive sets late in the shot clock. A quicker pace would not only help solve that issue but also play directly to Anunoby’s strengths, potentially increasing his scoring from cuts, which was already a career-high for him last year.
🏀 Creating More Scoring Chances
A new coach also means new offensive plays. Brown might find creative ways to use Anunoby as a cutter, perhaps in dribble-handoff actions similar to how he used Domantas Sabonis in Sacramento. Playing faster can also create mismatches against opponents. With defenses scrambling to keep up, Anunoby might find himself guarded by smaller players more often. We saw a glimpse of his potential in this area last season when Jalen Brunson was injured. During that time, Anunoby became more aggressive, driving to the basket and averaging nearly 25 points per game by using his strength to overpower defenders. More of these opportunities could be on the horizon.
🛡️ A Flexible Role on Defense
Anunoby’s impact isn’t limited to offense. With center Mitchell Robinson returning to full health, the Knicks have more options for their starting lineup. If Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns start together, Anunoby would likely play as a small forward. This would give the Knicks a size advantage against many teams. This flexibility also extends to defense. Last season during the playoffs, the Knicks had great success when they assigned Anunoby to defend the opponent’s best guard, such as Cade Cunningham of the Pistons. Under Brown, the team might experiment more with Anunoby’s defensive role, using his skills to guard different types of players and potentially switching on defense more often to disrupt opponents.
