BT: OG Anunoby must show Knicks he can be 'physically resilient,' is worthy of big contract

Julius Randle has been ruled out for the rest of the season, and the Knicks will now have to hope that OG Anunoby can get healthy and have an impact on the team come playoff time.

BT says Anunoby, who has missed the last eight games with tennis elbow in the elbow that was surgically repaired earlier this year, needs to show the Knicks he can return, stay healthy, and prove that he is worthy of a contract extension.

"If you can play, play," BT said. "If you can't, and you just can't perform, then you can't perform, like Randle. There is potential for legitimate nerve damage, which would compromise the rest of his career…you pushed it, we respect you, but you gotta do what's right for you.

"Nobody is saying that about OG. OG has to prove to the Knicks that he is worthy of a max extension. If OG doesn't play, then why would the Knicks extend him?"

Anunoby showed he can be an instant and seamless fit with this Knicks squad, as they looked like one of the best teams in the NBA almost immediately after acquiring him from Toronto. But he has played less than 50 games in three of the last four years, and BT says Anunoby pushing through any discomfort in his elbow and returning to help the Knicks in the playoffs would go a long way to show the team that he can be counted on.

"I have to know that he's physically resilient," BT said.