R.J. Barrett is headed home to Canada, and OG Anunoby is coming to New York.
In a move designed to move the team up in the Eastern Conference standings, the Knicks made a blockbuster trade just before the New Year, sending Barrett, a Toronto native and the former No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft, former Kentucky guard Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, who played part of his high school career at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi broke the news.
“OG’s complete offensive game and ability to defend multiple positions will enhance our team on both ends of the court,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement.
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 37% from deep for the Raptors. He was an NBA All-Defensive second team selection last season. He was the No. 23 overall pick in 2017 out of Indiana.
“OG will bring one of the toughest-minded, competitive and winning driven players in the NBA,” former Indiana coach Tom Crean told NJ Advance Media.
“His passion for defending and taking away other top players strengths is extensive and extremely high level. He works tirelessly on improvement throughout the season and off season. I’ve coached some of the hardest working extra work guys that became NBA players and he’s as driven by that work as any of them.
“The city of New York and Knicks fans are going to love his dedication and determination and be very happy he’s on their side.”
The 6-8 Achiuwa, who is originally from Nigeria, is averaging 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds. He was the No. 20 pick in 2020 out of Memphis.
In 2020, Achiuwa became the first Memphis freshman to be a conference player of the year since Keith Lee in 1982. He led all freshmen with 18 double-doubles that season and was also the first to win both Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year since Lee.
“He…
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