Knicks Coach Mike Brown Campaigns for OG Anunoby's All-Defensive Team Selection

Brown believes the Raptors trade acquisition deserves First-Team All-Defense this season.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:06am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball defensive play, with sharp geometric shapes and planes representing the movement and energy of the action, without any identifiable figures or text.Anunoby's defensive versatility and impact are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs his lockdown abilities.Chicago Today

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown is strongly advocating for forward OG Anunoby to be named to the NBA All-Defensive Team, arguing that the versatile two-way player is one of the league's premier stoppers despite often flying under the radar. Brown praised Anunoby's defensive impact and versatility after the Knicks' recent blowout win over the Chicago Bulls.

Why it matters

The Knicks have made defense a priority in recent years, acquiring elite two-way talents like Anunoby and Mikal Bridges to anchor their unit. Anunoby's continued lack of recognition for his defensive prowess despite his impact highlights how some of the NBA's best defenders can be overlooked, even as the Knicks push for a deep playoff run.

The details

During his time with the Toronto Raptors, Anunoby established himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, but he has often been overshadowed by more high-profile names. Now with the Knicks, head coach Mike Brown is determined to ensure Anunoby finally gets the defensive recognition he deserves, calling it "BS" that the 25-year-old has only been named to the All-Defensive Team once in his career so far.

  • On April 4, 2026, the Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls in a blowout win.
  • Following the game, Mike Brown praised Anunoby's defensive performance and campaign for his All-Defensive Team selection.

The players

OG Anunoby

A versatile forward for the New York Knicks who is considered one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders, though he has often been overlooked for defensive accolades.

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who is strongly advocating for Anunoby to be named to the NBA All-Defensive Team this season.

Mikal Bridges

Another elite two-way wing player who was acquired by the Knicks, forming a dangerous defensive duo with Anunoby.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard and one of the team's biggest offensive stars, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' star center, who along with Brunson, is one of the team's biggest names as they push for a deep playoff run.

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What they’re saying

“I'm lost, he only has one (All-Defensive Team)? That's BS. I can say that with a straight face because he's a great defender. He does a lot of different things that people don't see on that end of the floor for us, but more importantly, his versatility is off the charts.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks

“In my opinion, he deserves First-Team All-Defense this year, and hopefully, the powers that be will see it that way too.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks

What’s next

As the Knicks continue their push towards the playoffs, they will need continued strong defensive performances from Anunoby and the rest of their roster to make a deep postseason run. The NBA's All-Defensive Team selections will be announced in the coming weeks, and it remains to be seen if Anunoby's campaign led by Coach Brown will result in him finally earning the recognition his defense has deserved.

The takeaway

This story highlights how even elite defensive players can sometimes be overlooked, with OG Anunoby's defensive impact often going unnoticed despite his status as one of the NBA's premier stoppers. Coach Brown's vocal advocacy for Anunoby's All-Defensive Team selection underscores the Knicks' commitment to building a championship-caliber defense, and the team's hope that Anunoby's contributions will finally be rewarded with the individual accolades he deserves.