‘Anunoby Suspended’: NBA Hands OG Anunoby Three-Game Ban to Start 2025 Season After Policy Violation
In a move that has sent tremors through the New York Knicks organization and shocked fans across the league, the NBA announced today that Knicks small forward OG Anunoby has been suspended for the first three games of the 2025 regular season. The suspension, according to league sources, stems from a violation of the NBA’s Personal Conduct Policy, though the league has not disclosed the exact details surrounding the incident.
The decision comes at a pivotal time for the Knicks, who recently signed Anunoby to a long-term extension after acquiring him in a high-profile trade with the Toronto Raptors during the 2023–2024 season. Anunoby was widely viewed as a cornerstone piece in New York’s effort to build a championship-contending roster around Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
A Sudden Blow for the Knicks
The NBA’s brief statement confirmed the suspension on Thursday morning:
“OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2025–26 NBA regular season for conduct detrimental to the league. The suspension is effective immediately and Anunoby will be eligible to return for the Knicks’ fourth game of the regular season.”
Neither the NBA nor the Knicks have confirmed the nature of the violation, citing privacy concerns and an ongoing internal review. However, the suspension has already sparked speculation among media outlets and fans regarding what led to the league’s decision.
For the Knicks, the timing of this setback could hardly be worse. The team had built significant momentum in the second half of the 2024 season following Anunoby’s arrival, and expectations for the 2025 campaign were at an all-time high. With a full training camp and preseason under their belt, the organization hoped to hit the ground running with a healthy and fully integrated roster.
Anunoby’s Role and Recent Resurgence
OG Anunoby, 28, was acquired by the Knicks in December 2023 in a trade that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors. His arrival transformed the Knicks’ defensive identity, as his size, versatility, and ability to guard multiple positions helped the team become one of the most formidable defensive units in the Eastern Conference.
In his 2024 campaign with New York, Anunoby averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting an efficient 48.2% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. He quickly emerged as one of Tom Thibodeau’s most trusted two-way players, routinely guarding the opposition’s best scorer while providing valuable spacing and off-ball movement on offense.
Many analysts viewed the Anunoby trade as a turning point for the Knicks franchise. His presence helped push New York into the second round of the playoffs and solidified a core that could compete with the likes of Boston and Milwaukee in the East.
Reaction From the Knicks and NBA Community
The Knicks released a brief and measured statement following the announcement:
“We acknowledge the NBA’s decision regarding OG Anunoby and support the league’s policies. OG remains an integral part of our team, and we are confident he will move forward from this matter with professionalism. We look forward to having him back on the court.”
Around the league, reactions have been mixed. Some insiders expressed surprise at the suspension, noting Anunoby’s generally low-profile demeanor and reputation as a quiet, disciplined professional. Others pointed to the NBA’s increasing emphasis on off-court conduct and public image as reasons why even minor violations are now treated with heightened scrutiny.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst weighed in on the situation:
“This is surprising. OG isn’t a player you typically hear about in off-court controversies. The league must have found something significant to justify a suspension—especially one that impacts the regular season.”
What the Suspension Means for the Knicks’ Season Opener
With Anunoby sidelined for the first three games, the Knicks will need to adjust their rotation early. Expect Quentin Grimes or Donte DiVincenzo to see increased minutes at the wing, while Josh Hart may also be asked to take on a larger role defensively.
The suspension could prove costly, especially considering New York’s early-season schedule includes matchups against the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers—three Eastern Conference rivals with playoff ambitions of their own.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive mindset, will likely rely heavily on his bench depth and internal discipline to weather the absence.
The Road Ahead for OG Anunoby
Despite the suspension, Anunoby remains eligible to participate in all training camp activities, preseason games, and team functions. League sources confirmed he will not need to undergo counseling or enter the NBA’s substance abuse or behavioral programs unless new developments emerge.
Still, this situation could linger into the early weeks of the season, especially if further details about the violation come to light. For now, Anunoby’s camp has remained silent, and the player himself has not issued a public statement.
How he responds—both on and off the court—will be closely watched.
Conclusion
OG Anunoby’s three-game suspension to start the 2025 NBA season is a significant development for a Knicks team with championship hopes and a franchise looking to solidify its place among the Eastern elite. While the full story behind the violation remains unclear, the impact is immediate: the Knicks will begin the season without one of their most important players, and Anunoby now faces the challenge of restoring trust within his team and the league.
As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain—OG Anunoby’s return in Game 4 will be under a much brighter spotlight than ever before.
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