New York Knicks Forward OG Anunoby Returns to London to Give Back to His Community
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby recently returned to his birthplace in London, where he was born and lived until he was four years old, to team up with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to refurbish public basketball courts. Anunoby, who won the 2026 NBA Championship with the New York Knicks, has become a beacon to British-born basketball players, and his efforts to give back to his community are truly inspiring.
What Happened?
Anunoby, with assistance from the NBPA, has teamed up with Mayor Khan to help improve public basketball infrastructure in his birthplace. The government will team up with Anunoby to refurbish and create public basketball courts for Londoners to use, helping aspiring English hoopers. As Mayor Khan revealed, "Could this court produce the next NBA player? Every great player starts somewhere. Nobody starts in the NBA; they start somewhere like this."
Why It Matters for New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are looking to become the first team in nine seasons to defend their crown as NBA Champions, which won't be easy after the moves around the NBA this season. Anunoby's efforts to give back to his community are a testament to his character and dedication to the sport. His achievements at the highest level, including averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in the season and 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks in the Playoffs, have made him a fan-favorite for his relentless two-way play.
What Comes Next?
The court in the video is the Argyle Square basketball court in Camden, London, and is the first of a pilot project under the Mayor of London's London Basketball Taskforce. The Mayor had announced a nearly £2 million basketball investment in January 2026 before the NBA London Games, and this court program is part of that commitment. Anunoby's comments are interspersed with Mayor Khan revealing that the government is investing in refurbishing public courts to give Londoners a chance to reach their potential as basketball players.
A New Era for Basketball in London
The partnership between Anunoby and Mayor Khan is a significant step towards creating a more vibrant basketball culture in London. By investing in public basketball courts, the government is providing more opportunities for young Londoners to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. As Anunoby said, "Potential: Unknown, Dreams: Unlimited, Local Court: Essential." That's why we're investing in better basketball courts with OG and @TheNBPA, so more young Londoners can write their own numbers.
Recent form (last 5): 4W-0D-1L (WWWWL, most recent first); on a 4-game winning run. Last result: San Antonio Spurs 90-94 New York Knicks (2026-06-14).
