Why OG Anunoby Deserves His First All-Star Nod: Mike Brown’s Five Reasons and Beyond
When New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown spoke to reporters after a thrilling 128-125 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on December 27, 2025, he didn’t mince words about OG Anunoby. In a game where Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the stat sheet with a season-high 36 points and 16 rebounds, it was Anunoby who sealed the win in crunch time—hitting clutch free throws, grabbing a critical rebound, and forcing a turnover with a steal. Despite a cold shooting night (3-of-10 from the field, 2-of-5 from three), Anunoby finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in 38 minutes, showcasing his all-around impact.
Brown, a two-time Coach of the Year with a keen eye for two-way talent from his days coaching stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, backed Anunoby’s All-Star candidacy emphatically. He boiled it down to five simple reasons: Anunoby’s size, range, strength, athleticism, and feel. “He can do so much out there,” Brown said. “He just has to impose his will on the game every single play, and when he does, there’s nothing he can’t do.”
Well, when you put it that way… it’s hard to argue against Anunoby finally getting his due in the 2026 All-Star Game (held in San Francisco). At 28 years old, in his prime and thriving in Brown’s up-tempo system, Anunoby is posting numbers and impact that scream “All-Star.” Through 21 games in the 2025-26 season, he’s averaging 15.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks on .459/.379/.797 shooting—solid, efficient production from a 6’7″, 240-pound wing who defends 1 through 5.
But Brown’s five attributes aren’t just coach-speak; they’re the foundation of why Anunoby is one of the NBA’s most complete players. Let’s break them down in depth, layer in advanced metrics, on-court impact, and comparisons to past All-Stars, and explore why this could be the year the voters finally recognize him.
1. Size: The Perfect Modern Wing Frame
Anunoby stands at 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan—a prototype for today’s positionless basketball. His size allows him to guard point guards on the perimeter without getting blown by, switch onto power forwards in the post, and even bang with centers at the rim. In an era where versatility is king, this isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity for elite teams.
Consider his defensive matchups this season: Anunoby has routinely taken on the opponent’s best scorer, from speedy guards like Trae Young (whom he harassed in that Hawks game) to big wings like Jayson Tatum. The Knicks’ defense is elite when he’s on the floor, holding opponents to lower efficiency in virtually every category. His size disrupts passing lanes (leading to his 1.8 steals per game) and alters shots without fouling.
Historically, wings with this build who impact winning—like Scottie Pippen (6’8″) or Kawhi Leonard (6’7″)—earned multiple All-Star nods. Anunoby’s frame gives him the same potential, especially on a Knicks team that’s contending in the East.
2. Range: A Threat from Deep and Everywhere
Brown’s “range” likely refers to both shooting and defensive reach, but let’s start with the perimeter. Anunoby is shooting a career-high 37.9% from three on nearly six attempts per game. That’s not volume-shooting like a specialist; it’s reliable spacing that opens driving lanes for Jalen Brunson and post-ups for Towns.
Even on off nights—like the Hawks game where he went 2-for-5 from deep—he commands respect, pulling bigs out of the paint and creating mismatches. His effective field goal percentage hovers around .555, elite for a wing.
Defensively, his range extends coast to coast. Anunoby’s long arms allow him to contest shots from distance, recover on closeouts, and poke balls loose in transition. He’s one of the league’s best at “stocks” (steals + blocks), ranking among the top wing defenders. This range makes him a nightmare in Brown’s switching schemes, where the Knicks rank top-5 defensively.
Compare to Paul George, a perennial All-Star: Similar size, range, and two-way play. Anunoby is on that trajectory.
3. Strength: Physicality That Wins Battles
Anunoby isn’t just tall and long—he’s built like a linebacker at 240 pounds. This strength lets him body up stronger opponents without giving ground. In the post, he can guard bulls like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid for possessions. On drives, he absorbs contact and finishes through it (evident in his dunks and and-ones).
Offensively, his strength shines in rebounding: 5.2 boards per game, including 1.3 offensive, where he uses his bulk to box out. In the Hawks win, his 10 rebounds (3 offensive) were crucial in a game decided by hustle plays.
Defensively, strength means fewer fouls while disrupting—Anunoby averages just 2.5 fouls despite heavy minutes guarding stars. This physicality is why Brown compares him to past greats he’s coached, like Tim Duncan or Bruce Bowen: Fundamental, tough, and unrelenting.
Few wings combine this strength with agility. It’s why Anunoby led the league in steals in 2022-23 and earned All-Defensive Second Team honors.
4. Athleticism: Explosiveness in Key Moments
Anunoby’s leaps for blocks, chasedown steals, and thunderous dunks are highlights waiting to happen. His athleticism fuels transition play— the Knicks push tempo under Brown, and Anunoby finishes with authority.
In crunch time against Atlanta, his athleticism showed in rebounding battles and quick-twitch steals. He’s not just a leaper; it’s functional athleticism that translates to winning plays.
This trait elevates his defense to elite: 0.8 blocks per game from the wing position is rare. Paired with steals, he’s a turnover-forcing machine. Athletic wings like young Kawhi or Draymond Green (another Brown-coached player) turned this into All-Star status. Anunoby’s doing the same.
5. Feel: Basketball IQ That Ties It All Together
The most understated of Brown’s reasons, but perhaps the most important. Anunoby’s “feel” is his instinctive reads—knowing when to help, rotate, strip a ball, or cut off-ball.
He’s averaging a career-high 2.1 assists with low turnovers (2.0 per game). His on/off numbers are stellar: The Knicks outscore opponents significantly with him on the court. Advanced stats like Player Impact Estimate or Win Shares place him among top wings.
Anunoby himself noted recently that his impact is in “the little things” and two-way play, not just box-score stuffing. Brown echoes this: Great feel allows Anunoby to impose his will, even on off-shooting nights.
This IQ is why coaches rave—Brown has called him capable of First-Team All-Defense and even DPOY contention.
Beyond the Five: The Full All-Star Case
Anunoby’s stats (15.1 PPG, efficient shooting, top-tier defense) on a winning Knicks team (strong record heading into late December) make a compelling case. The East frontcourt is loaded (Giannis, Tatum, Embiid), but reserves reward impact players. With Brunson and Towns likely locks, a third Knick like Anunoby or Mikal Bridges could sneak in if New York keeps winning.
He’s never made All-Star before, but this season feels different: Career highs in scoring efficiency, playmaking, and consistency under Brown. His defense anchors a contender, while his offense has evolved.
Mike Brown put it simply with those five reasons, but the evidence is overwhelming. OG Anunoby isn’t just a role player—he’s a star in waiting. When you put it that way, All-Star seems inevitable.
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