OG Anunoby puts Knicks ahead of the chasing pack

The New York Knicks have drastically improved their defense with Saturday's trade to acquire OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn. Anunoby was an All-Defensive second-team selection last season and has been impressing on that side of the court to begin the new season, too. 

According to an Eastern Conference executive who spoke with Fox Sports, Anunoby's addition could catapult the Knicks into the upper echelon of teams in the Eastern Conference.

"The Knicks rank eighth in offense but only 16th in defense, which makes them a middle-of-the-road team," the executive said. "Adding OG should move them into the top 10, defensively, which should elevate their ceiling and give them a fighting chance against the top three teams in the East. That puts them above the chase pack of Miami, Cleveland, Orlando and Indiana. The Knicks didn't have a starting caliber small forward or mobile power forward on their roster but they have plenty of other options at shooting guard — [Josh] Hart, [Donte] DiVincenzo and [Quentin] Grimes."

Anunoby fits the style of play Tom Thibodeau wants from his team. He's tall, has great length, can switch multiple positions and is committed to playing a physical brand of defense. Anunoby can also be effective on the offensive end, especially as a secondary or tertiary scoring option. He is everything the Knicks were hoping RJ Barrett could develop into. By making this trade, the Knicks remove the need to remain patient. 

Achiuwa is another addition that could make a big impression on Thibodeau. Like Anunoby, he has great measurables and has proven himself to be a valuable defensive piece when given consistent playing time. 

It's also worth noting that Anunoby is a better fit within a Knicks system that calls for an off-ball threat rather than another forward who needs the ball in their hands. Overall, the deal makes total sense for what New York needed and the way it wants to play.

Nevertheless, if the Knicks want to cement their status as one of the premier teams in the East, they need to find a way of replacing Quickley in their second unit. His ability to score in bunches off the bench while also operating as a ball-handler and playmaker will be sorely missed in New York. 

There needs to be a secondary trade to address his departure and strengthen the second unit. If the Knicks front office can swing another deal, and the incoming player is as good or better than Quickley in terms of fit and production, the Knicks will be a serious threat once the postseason begins.