Five Keys for the Knicks 28-Year-Old Forward to Reach Another Level Next Season
When the New York Knicks acquired OG Anunoby last season, they knew they were getting one of the league’s most versatile two-way players. His defensive presence instantly elevated the team, giving New York a reliable stopper who could guard nearly every position on the floor. Offensively, his ability to knock down threes and make smart cuts fit seamlessly into the Knicks’ system. Yet as valuable as he already is, there remains plenty of untapped potential in Anunoby’s game. If he can add new layers to his skill set and stay consistently healthy, he could push the Knicks even closer to championship contention.
1. Expanding His Offensive Creation
OG Anunoby has proven himself as a reliable spot-up shooter and efficient cutter, but his offensive game still has room to grow. If he can develop a tighter handle and become more comfortable creating shots off the dribble, it will open up an entirely new dimension for the Knicks’ offense. Defenders often sag off when he drives, forcing him into awkward situations where he either stalls out or resets the play. By building confidence in a pull-up jumper and learning to attack closeouts under control, Anunoby can punish defenses that overload on Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. A more well-rounded scoring package would help him go from a dependable role player to a dangerous third scoring option
2. Growing as a Playmaker
While Anunoby has shown flashes of passing ability, his playmaking remains one of the weaker aspects of his game. He averages modest assist numbers despite handling the ball in transition and in certain half-court sets. If he can sharpen his vision and make quicker reads, Anunoby could evolve into a secondary playmaker who keeps the ball moving and creates open looks for shooters. Drive-and-kick opportunities, skip passes, and dump-offs in the paint are all areas where he can improve. Adding this layer to his game would not only take pressure off Brunson but also make New York’s offense far less predictable.
3. Becoming a Defensive Quarterback
Anunoby is already one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA, capable of locking down stars across multiple positions. His size, length, and anticipation make him a nightmare for scorers, but his next step lies in becoming more of a defensive leader. If he can consistently communicate with teammates, call out switches, and anticipate opponents’ plays before they develop, his influence will go beyond his individual matchups. Great defenses need quarterbacks on the floor, players who orchestrate coverages and hold others accountable. Anunoby stepping into that role could transform the Knicks from being a very good defensive team into an elite one.
4. Building Offensive Consistency
At times, Anunoby’s offensive contributions can fluctuate depending on how involved he is in the flow of the game. There are nights when he aggressively attacks the rim or knocks down threes, and others when he fades into the background. Finding consistency in his shot selection and aggressiveness would help stabilize the Knicks’ offense, especially in games where Brunson or Towns are struggling. By establishing himself as a steady 15–17 points per game scorer, he can provide a reliable safety net for New York’s stars. Consistency doesn’t just elevate his individual numbers; it strengthens the entire offensive balance.
5. Staying Healthy
Perhaps the most important key for Anunoby isn’t about skill at all, but about availability. Injuries have often limited his momentum, preventing him from stringing together full seasons of dominant two-way play. When he’s on the court, the Knicks are demonstrably better, both statistically and in the eye test. A healthy Anunoby provides spacing, defense, and stability; three things that directly translate to wins. If he can avoid extended absences and give the Knicks a full year of peak production, it could be the deciding factor in their push from contender to legitimate championship threat.
