OG Anunoby Got One Vote?! The NBA said, "Defense Wins Championships" Then Forgot to Watch the Knicks

All right, I need someone from the voting panel to blink twice if they actually watched a New York Knicks game this year. Because what happened with OG Anunoby in the Defensive Player of the Year voting feels less like a mistake and more like somebody accidentally left him off the group chat.

Let’s be clear before the pitchforks come out. Victor Wembanyama winning DPOY? Totally fine. The man is basically a created player from 2K with the sliders broken. He blocks shots without jumping—WITHOUT JUMPING. I’ve seen people try harder reaching for snacks on the top shelf.

And yes, the youngest unanimous DPOY ever—historical, deserved, stamp it, send it. But what are we doing after that?! You’re telling me EIGHT guys got more love than OG?!

We got Chet Holmgren, the Thompson twins double feature, Rudy Gobert (again… we’re still doing this?), Scottie Barnes, Derrick White, Dyson Daniels…and somehow OG Anunoby is sitting there like he showed up to the wrong party.

One SECOND place vote. One THIRD place vote. That’s not disrespect—that’s a crime scene.

The Case for OG: The Human Eraser

Let me explain something real quick in basketball terms:

There are “good defenders”…

There are “elite defenders”…

And then there’s OG Anunoby, who treats All-Stars like expired coupons.

This man doesn’t just guard you—he deletes you. We’re talking about a guy who...

Guards 1 through 5 like it’s nothing

Leads one of the best defensive stretches the Knicks had all year after he arrived

Makes opposing stars look like they forgot how to dribble

Advanced analytics? Oh, you want numbers? Let’s cook.

OG consistently ranks near the top in...

Defensive EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus)

Steal percentage

Deflections per game

Opponent field goal percentage when he’s the primary defender

Translation: When OG is guarding you, your jumper files a missing persons report.

And here’s the part voters clearly ignored—impact over highlight.

Wemby blocks shots into the fifth row (beautiful, cinematic, ESPN Top 10).

OG prevents the shot from ever happening.

That’s like comparing a fire extinguisher to someone who stops the fire before it starts.

The “Tournament Cup” Game: OG vs. The Alien

Let’s talk about that matchup when the Knicks took down Wemby and the Spurs.

Everyone came in thinking, “Yo, Wemby about to turn Las Vegas into a science experiment.” Instead? OG said, “Hope you like defense.”

He bodied possessions, forced tough angles, disrupted rhythm, and made life uncomfortable. Did Wemby still get his moments? Sure—great players do. But OG made him WORK for everything.

And that’s the difference: Anyone can put up numbers but not everyone can make a generational talent look slightly human.

Why OG Gets Ignored and It’s Kinda Ridiculous

Here’s the real issue: OG suffers from what I call, “Quiet Dominance Syndrome.”

He doesn’t talk trash every possession, flex after every stop, or hunt highlights. Instead, he just locks you up and walks away like he just clocked in for a 9-to-5.

Meanwhile, flashier defenders get narrative boosts, highlight love, and reputation votes

And OG apparently gets one sympathetic voter and a participation ribbon.

The Perimeter Defense Problem

Let’s be real—the NBA still treats defense like...

Big man blocks = GOLD

Perimeter defense = “eh, that’s cute”

But in today’s NBA? Stopping elite wings and guards is WAY harder.

You’re chasing step-backs, screens, switches, spacing from another dimension, and OG handles ALL of it.

If defense was graded like school, then it would look like this:

Rim protectors = Final exam

Perimeter defenders like OG = Every quiz, homework, group project, AND the final

And somehow he got a C+ from voters. Again—Victor Wembanyama earned the award. No debate. But OG Anunoby getting THAT little recognition? That’s like ordering steak at a restaurant, and they bring you a single chicken nugget and say, “Trust the process.”

OG isn’t just “good.” He’s 1st Team All-Defense caliber and arguably the best perimeter defender in the league.

So next time the voters fill out ballots, maybe—just maybe—they should turn on a Knicks game because OG Anunoby isn’t asking for attention, but his defense is screaming for it.