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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Despite the recent acquisition of OG Anunoby, ex-All-Star Gilbert Arenas remains skeptical about the New York Knicks’ trading decisions. Recently on a podcast, Arenas said he doesn’t like how much the team is spending and wants them to make a big trade move before it’s too late. On his debut with the Knicks, OG Anunoby showcased his skills, logging an impressive 35 minutes and contributing significantly to a victorious performance with 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

In a no-holds-barred critique, Arenas dissected the Knicks’ spending strategy. He stressed the importance of rethinking how to get new talents. He mentioned there’s no winning even with lots of money spent. Arenas said, “Who spends the most?… You’re just sitting there with nothing to show for it, but you’re spending like a champion.”

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Arenas questioned the Knicks’ financial decisions, particularly compared to perennial contenders like the Lakers and Celtics. Arenas told the Knicks to focus on getting a big player. He said, “I want a star. I want Jalen Green, Edwards”. He stressed that they need someone special who can change games on the court. Arenas’ sharp criticism raises some key questions.

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In a big trade, the New York Knicks got OG Anunoby plus Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to play. This change in the player list cost the Knicks a lot. They had to give up young players Quickley and Barrett, as well as a second-round pick in 2024. This change shows that the team is choosing to focus more on being strong in defense and working well together rather than just one player’s offensive skills.

Defensive boost for Knicks amid offensive trade-offs

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While the Knicks have showcased their offensive capabilities, ranking 14th in the league for points per game (115.3) and holding the 10th spot in offensive rating (117.3), their defensive struggles have been evident. Currently placed 13th defensively with a rating of 115.4, the team recognized the need for a formidable defensive presence.

OG Anunoby, known for his defensive acumen, is expected to fill this void, providing the Knicks with a reliable force to counter opponents in the Eastern Conference. Although the departure of Quickley and Barrett signifies a loss of offensive firepower, the Knicks are banking on Anunoby’s defensive contributions to elevate their overall performance and contend for a higher position in the conference standings.

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