A new report on the injury to New York Knicks star OG Anunoby will make some fans worried the impending free agent doesn’t have the New York City grit they would want.
It could be argued that no player traded to another team this season has made a bigger impact on their new organization than Anunoby has for the Knicks. While they were a good team in 2023-24, his addition in December was a perfect fit that elevated them from a playoff contender to an actual finals threat.
- OG Anunoby stats (2023-24): 14.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 36% 3 PT
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That is why the elbow injury that led to surgery late in January was such a major setback for a team that had caught fire and flew up our NBA power rankings. To the surprise of no one, once the 3-and-D ace completed his rehab and got back on the court in March, the team returned to be an elite defense and handful for every opponent. That is until he suffered a setback to the elbow last week.
After renewed hope during recent performances, New York Knicks fans received bad news over the weekend when it was revealed that the forward was dealing with soreness after potentially reaggravating the injury. The hope is the injury improves and the 26-year-old can gut through any pain the rest of the season and playoffs. Well, not so fast.
New York Knicks have reason to worry about OG Anunoby’s toughness
Earlier this week, New York Post NBA reporter Stefan Bondy revealed some concerning intelligence that could factor into short and long-term plans the Knicks may have for OG Anunoby.
“According to people familiar with his tenure in Toronto — where Anunoby missed lots of time with injuries — the 26-year-old isn’t comfortable playing through pain. He’s also a free agent after the season and in line for a massive contract, which the Knicks will be eager to pay since they traded two young promising pieces — RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley — to acquire him from the Raptors.”
- OG Anunoby injury update: He is dealing with inflammation and soreness in his elbow
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New York sports fans love tough and gritty players who will put it all on the line to win games. That is why Jalen Brunson has become a beloved star in the city quickly. Anunoby has also become a popular player in a short amount of time. However, if he develops a reputation as one unwilling to battle through injuries that could turn fans against him fast if he does land a massive contract this summer.
Anunoby has played 70 or more games just once during his seven seasons in the league and 60 or more only four times.