Why OG Anunoby’s biggest impact for Knicks could be felt in playoffs

Fred VanVleet, a 2022 All-Star guard with the Raptors, said earlier this season that former Toronto teammate OG Anunoby’s “true value” with the Knicks won’t be felt “until the playoffs” because of his ability to match up defensively at various positions.

Considering the Knicks are 20-3 already this season with Anunoby in the lineup heading into the playoffs, how much more impactful can the midseason pickup actually be when the first round begins Saturday at the Garden against either the 76ers or the Heat?

Anunoby, who was acquired in the late-December deal that sent former first-round picks RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto, finished with a whopping net rating of 21.7 over 23 games with the Knicks.

That means they outscored opponents by that many points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.

For reference, Anunoby’s figure was more than double that of the player with the second-highest net rating on the team, Isaiah Hartenstein (10.0), followed by MVP candidate Jalen Brunson (8.6).

The Knicks hope the 6-foot-7 Anunoby’s defensive prowess will come into play regardless of their first-round opponent, whether he primarily guards Heat wing Jimmy Butler or is used against Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey.