NBA All-Defensive teams announced; Anunoby snub sparks debate

The NBA announced its 2025-26 All-Defensive teams on Friday night, and while Victor Wembanyama made history as the first unanimous First Team selection, the announcement quickly sparked debate over several omissions, most notably New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby.

Wembanyama, who also won Defensive Player of the Year without a single dissenting vote, led the First Team with all 100 ballots. He was joined by Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White. The Second Team consisted of Bam Adebayo, Cason Wallace, Anunoby, Dyson Daniels, and Scottie Barnes.

Within minutes of the announcement, Knicks head coach Mike Brown and teammate Karl-Anthony Towns voiced strong objections to Anunoby being placed on the second team. Brown closed a video interview with reporters by saying, “OG got robbed. He is First Team All-Defense.” He added later, “Freakin OG got robbed. He should’ve been first team all defense. The versatility that guy brings to this team is off the charts.”

Towns, who watched Anunoby guard opposing wings throughout the season, also spoke unprompted. “Nobody wants to ask OG about second team alldefense? Damn. Hes one of the best defenders in the world, and he...