Knicks' OG Anunoby Says He 'Should Win' 2025 NBA DPOY, 'I've Always Felt That Way'

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby believes that he's worthy of 2025 Defensive Player of the Year recognition.

"I think I should be on First Team All-Defense. I think I should win Defensive Player of the Year,” Anunoby said, per Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News. “I’ve always felt that way."

The 27-year-old was previously named to the All-Defensive second team during his 2022-23 campaign with the Toronto Raptors and also finished No. 7 in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

While Anunoby hasn't been named to an All-Defensive team since, he's still proven himself as one of the NBA's most versatile defenders. In 70 starts with the Knicks this season, he's averaging 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.

Anunoby's activity on defense is also crucial for New York, as his average of 3.2 deflections per game ranks No. 13 among all players to appear in at least 40 games this season (via NBA.com).

He's also contesting 3.4 three-pointers per game, the fifth-highest mark in the association.

While Anunoby could earn a spot on an All-Defensive team, it may be difficult for him to win Defensive Player of the Year on a Knicks squad that struggled defensively throughout the beginning of the season. New York still only ranks No. 13 in defensive rating (via NBA.com).

In the meantime, Anunoby is in the midst of one of the best offensive stretches of his career. Over his past 15 appearances, he's averaging 22.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 46.6/38.5/86.8 shooting splits.

Anunoby will look to strengthen his Defensive Player of the Year case over the Knicks' final six games of the regular season.