Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been cleared for controlled contact work and 3-on-3 scrimmaging as he continues to make progress from a left hamstring strain, Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News writes.
“He’s doing some on-court work and [we’re] continuing to monitor him. We’re not gonna rush him,” head coach Mike Brown said ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
Anunoby is not yet taking full contact and there’s still no official timetable for his return, but Brown referred to the on-court work as “a good step for him in the process.”
The 28-year-old defensive stalwart injured his hamstring in the first quarter of a November 14 game against Miami. A couple days later, it was reported that Anunoby would be reevaluated in two weeks — this is the first update on his status since.
Anunoby was off to an impressive start to the 2025/26 season before the hamstring strain, averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals through 11 games (33.5 minutes per contest). His shooting line over that span was .483/.397/.760.
Josh Hart has been the primary recipient of more usage and playing time with Anunoby out.
OG always injured and refused to take a team friendly discount. I’m not sure getting him was the best plan especially after what they had to give up.
mlbnyyfan:
I’m not sure why he would be obligated to take a team friendly discount. However, all around players like this are major contributors on winning teams. The players they gave up are overpaid and/or not the type of guys that typically lead to any significant winning. Particularly RJ Barrett.
To be fair, OG did play 74 games last year. Also, what did the Knicks really give up to get him? IQ and RJ are nice players, but neither make the same impact as OG does when he’s on the court. One 2nd round pick was all the draft capital the Knicks needed to give up in the deal.
No doubt he pushed for a huge contract, but he’s not obligated to take a team discount just because other Knicks players did so.