Cleveland, May 25: Knicks wing OG Anunoby was “robbed” of a spot on the 2025-26 NBA All-Defensive First Team, according to coach Mike Brown. Brown made this statement during a Zoom call with reporters on Sunday.
“I have one last thing before I leave — you can all print this,” Brown stated at the conclusion of his media session. “There are great players out there — I’m not discounting anyone — but OG got robbed. He should have been on the First Team All-Defense. The versatility he brings to our team is immense; we’re a top-five defensive team.”
Brown emphasized Anunoby’s unique contributions, saying, “People often mention KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns) and Jalen (Brunson), but OG’s versatility is off the charts. I hope the voters recognize this next time. I’m glad he made the Second Team — he deserves that — but it was still wrong.”
“Freakin’ OG got robbed. He should’ve been First Team All-Defense. I hope the voters get it right next time around. It was wrong,” Brown reiterated.
Before Brown’s remarks, Anunoby expressed gratitude for the recognition but also voiced his hopes for a First Team selection. “It was cool to get the recognition,” he said. “Second Team is nice, but I was hoping for First Team — I thought I deserved it.”
The First Team included Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. Anunoby was named to the Second Team alongside Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Thunder guard Cason Wallace, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo.
“There are many great defenders in the league, so being recognized as one of the top ten is really cool. Now I just need to focus on the rest of the playoffs,” Anunoby concluded.
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