The new year barely begun and the NBA gave us its first surprise. Honestly speaking, it was an impending move waiting to happen. The New York Knicks welcomed OG Anunoby from Toronto. He was a long-time target for the iconic franchise who are looking to capitalize on their opportunities to add the right pieces besides Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. In return, they had to give up RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors.
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In their very first games for their new franchises, both teams came out on top. Anunoby established his presence as a two-way killer. He shot the ball with remarkable precision and hounded the Timberwolves, the best team in the Western Conference. The Raptors immediately gave the keys to Quickley as the starting PG and Barrett a reliable third option. Their combined 33 points gave them an edge over the injury-ridden Cleveland Cavaliers.
For the first time in a while, there is no lob-sided winner in the scenario. Both teams got exactly what they wanted. But if we had to choose, who would it be?
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The New York Knicks can unlock a new dimension with OG Anunoby
New York has had their eyes on Anunoby ever since the offseason. They wanted 3 and D player who would hold down the defense. With their resurgence in the era of Brunson, the front office finally took action. As Barrett failed to live up to his contract extension, they were willing t ship him and so orchestrated a deal that could make them tyrants on both sides of the floor.
Anunoby is no ordinary ‘good defender’. This man is an All-Defensive menace who will not provide any space to breathe. This season, he has held his opponents to just 46%. Considering he takes the onus to defend the best offensive player, that number only enunciates his impact as a stopper. The former Raptors forward reads passes and is able to get defections regularly.
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When it comes to him as a scorer, he is a jack of all trades. Anunoby is a dead eye from the perimeter. He is constantly shooting over 35%. His presence will be beneficial to Brunson who will now have additional spacing to operate as the floor general. OG Anunoby is also a strong driver at the rim and reliable in clutch situations.
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He makes the Knicks better than formidable. Anunoby elevates them into dark horses, a side that could sweep through everyone if they reach their ceiling.
The Raptors are looking ahead
After trading Fred VanVleet away, the Toronto Raptors had lost themselves a dyna,ic playmaker who hustles for every possession. They were devoid of a general who could also be a high-volume scorer. Sure, Dennis Schroder has great floor vision, but he is undersized. That trait makes him an easy target for the opposition when defending.
After a disappointing start to the season, the Raptors were juggling between two alternatives. Either they blow it up and rebuild, or they preserve the pieces and look for slight upgrades. With their deal with the Knicks, they got the best of both worlds. The franchise opened it’s doors to RJ Barrett. It was a homecoming for the Duke alumnus. Growing up in Canada, he always bled the Raptor red.
“I grew up a Raptors fan all my life. So to come here and put this jersey on this is gonna be great.” said Barrett at his press conference while smiling from teeth to teeth.
USA Today via Reuters
What more motivation could he ask for? He is back home putting on the jersey of his childhood favorites. It’s a dream scenario for the Canadian who is on the doorstep of becoming a franchise player. For the Knicks, Barrett was never able to ascend to the aspirations. Maybe it was the spotlight or just the wrong system.
The modern forward is a solid playmaker and is constantly improving his patience as a passer. He can drive the ball and finish through contact effortlessly. In the NBA, he has been inconsistent failing to translate his collegiate dominance. However, now he is fueled with home spirit and entrusted with the future.
Then the Raptors also got what I believe is the cherry on top – Immanuel Quickley. As his name suggests, this guard is rapid. He was the unsung hero for the Knicks in recent years. Coming off the bench, this three-dimensional scorer could do it all. He shoots the three at nearly 40%, has the instincts to make the right passes, and is a defensive hunter.
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Posting 15 a night, he was upgraded as a starter in the very first game. Quickley’s scoring didn’t shine, but he besides Scottie Barnes takes their perimeter defense to a whole new level. Quickley is an expert at slipping screens, staying on his man and just making life difficult. Barnes and his tandem could help limit the outpour that the franchise has faced this season. With Jakob Poetl as the rim-protector, they have potentially covered every spot.
Of course, they are still young and haven’t reached the quality of an Anunoby. But they aren’t far off. Barrett shows regular signs of improvement and with Quickley getting more minutes, we might see a breakout campaign similar to Tyrese Maxey.
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But if we speak of a winner, it’s hard to debate against the Knicks. Since trading for Brunson, the franchise found the beacon to build around. He has taken over as the franchise player. Randle isn’t far behind as has overcome his sloppy start. With Anunoby they now have a third option that can stay consistent along with being the defensive anchor.
The next few years are going to be thrilling in New York.
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