OG Anunoby is a British basketball player who plays as the starting small forward for the New York Knicks. He is known for his tremendous two-way game in the NBA.
The British sensation was selected with the 23rd overall pick in 2017 by the Toronto Raptors. Anunoby initially made impactful contributions off the bench before ascending into a versatile two-way player for the Raptors.
Even though Anunoby missed many games in the 2019 playoffs due to an emergency appendectomy, the 2018/19 Raptors championship run under the leadership of Kawhi Leonard was a significant chapter in his career. He learned many facets of the elite two-way game alongside superstar Kawhi Leonard.
In the post-Kawhi era, Anunoby showcased his resilience in the 2020 playoffs. In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics, he delivered an iconic game-winning buzzer-beater 3-pointer, preventing the Raptors from a potential 0–3 deficit.
Soon after, Anunoby secured a lucrative four-year, $72 million contract extension with the Raptors, a testament to his on-court contributions that exceeded expectations.
Anunoby used this money wisely as he is a part owner of the London Lions, a professional basketball team based in Stratford, East London, England. They compete in the British Basketball League as well as the EuroCup. This showcases his commitment to the game of basketball beyond the NBA.
OG Anunoby Wingspan
OG Anunoby's wingspan spans an impressive 7 feet 2 inches or 2.18 meters.
This tremendous wingspan is a key factor that transforms him into a defensive powerhouse. His impressive reach becomes a game-changer, as it allows him to intercept passes and disrupt opponents' offensive plays.
His exceptional defensive abilities were prominently displayed in the 2022/23 season. By averaging 1.9 steals per game, Anunoby was the steals leader last season.
Moreover, Anunoby’s wingspan makes him one of the best players in the NBA at creating opposition turnovers. During the 2022/23 NBA season, he showcased his hustle prowess by averaging 3.6 deflections per game, ranking third highest in the league, and recovering 0.9 loose balls per game, securing the second-highest spot.
These standout stats underscore his impactful contributions in disrupting opponents' plays and securing possessions for his team.
This defensive prowess didn't go unnoticed, as he earned a well-deserved spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in the 2022-23 NBA season, solidifying his status as one of the premier defenders in the league.
OG Anunoby Position
Ogugua, OG Anunoby is the starting small forward for the New York Knicks.
However, his impact extends far beyond his designated position. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches with a wingspan of 7 feet 2 inches, Anunoby's versatile physical attributes make him an imposing wing player for the Toronto Raptors.
He can easily transition between the various on-court positional roles, showcasing adaptability as a shooting guard and even a power forward when needed. This unique ability to play multiple positions makes him a dream player for coaches. By playing multiple positions, he offers strategic flexibility and a dynamic presence on both ends of the court. Anunoby's multi-positional prowess is a massive strategic advantage for the Knicks.
FAQs
A. Born in London, England on July 17, 1997, OG Anunoby is presently 26 years old.
A. OG Anunoby’s father Ogugua Sr. is a professor of business and finance at Lincoln University.
A. OG Anunoby won the NBA championship in 2019.
A. OG Anunoby serves as a Small Forward for the Knicks.
A. In the 2022/23 season, OG Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists throughout 67 games. He also led the league in steals per game, at 1.9.