Carmelo Anthony has issued a challenge to New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, drawing a comparison to the impressive rise of Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. During a recent episode of the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Anthony praised Brown’s competitive spirit while expressing doubts about Anunoby’s self-perception as an elite player.
“[Jaylen] has proven that not only he could lead a team, but also he is the best two-way player in this NBA. He ain’t bullshitting when he says that, bro. And he’s saying it with his chest. He can back it up,” Anthony stated. He then focused his critique on the Knicks, asserting that while he respects Anunoby’s potential as a two-way player, he questions whether Anunoby believes he holds that title.
Anthony’s skepticism about Anunoby’s mindset comes after the Knicks faced a dismal 121-90 loss to the Detroit Pistons on January 6, where Anunoby recorded only five points and two rebounds. “If I’m the best two-way player in the NBA, I cannot have two points, two rebounds, four shots in a game against the number one seed,” he explained. “As the best two-way player, I’m coming prepared and ready to roll. That’s why I give the edge to Jalen Brown because he’s performing defensively every night and offensively every night, and it’s resulting in wins.”
Despite his criticism, Anthony remains optimistic about Anunoby’s ceiling. “When he decides to turn this on, ain’t nobody scoring on OG, bro. OG could go get 25 if he really wants to. He can guard one through five. If I know I can dominate a game that way, why not go out there and dominate the game?” he said.
Anunoby has shown promise throughout the season, averaging 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, demonstrating strong defensive capabilities while guarding multiple positions. His recent performances, including scoring at least 15 points in five of his six games in January and a notable 20-point outing on January 8, suggest he possesses the talent Anthony believes he has.
Anthony’s call for Anunoby to adopt a more aggressive offensive approach highlights a critical aspect for the Knicks as they aim to transition from being a challenging opponent to a serious championship contender. In the pursuit of proving himself, Anunoby must embrace the mentality demanded by Melo, taking inspiration from Brown’s bold self-assertions.
If Anunoby can channel this mindset and consistently perform at a high level, the Knicks will not only benefit from his two-way prowess but could also find the key player they need for a robust championship run. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Anunoby can rise to the challenge and fulfill his potential.