Man, if you didn’t hear it loud and clear from Mike Brown himself, then you’re about to. OG Anunoby was not just on a championship team last year, he was legitimately in the conversation for NBA Finals MVP! Coach Brown, dropping bombs at Media Day on September 28, 2026, made it absolutely crystal clear: that kind of extraordinary playoff performance should light a fire under his All-Star case for this season.
Anunoby’s All-Star Push Is For Real
Brown pointed out that quiet guys like OG usually struggle to get the necessary buzz for an All-Star nod. But what Anunoby did in the playoffs? That was “extraordinary.” People were talking about it, and that talk, especially after helping bring home the championship, has *got* to carry over. He’s still gotta go out and earn it every night, for sure, but Brown thinks OG needs to be in “everybody’s conversation from the beginning.” And get this: Brown said OG’s shooting isn’t at a Steph Curry or Klay Thompson level, but he’s definitely in “the next tier.” He even admitted OG is “way better than I thought” as a shooter. His confidence? “Really high,” Brown said. Plus, with him being 6-foot-7 with those long arms, if opponents try to guard him with a smaller guy or a guard, it’s just going to be good for the team, especially since they try to put their best defender on “Jalen.” Brown praised the team’s playoff strategy, touching the paint and taking the right 3s, which certainly played into OG’s success.
Josh Hart’s Ugly Finger, Iron Will
Then there’s Josh Hart, the dude who just embodies grit. Coach Brown talked about Hart’s finger and yeah, he called it “ugly” and “a little crooked.” Said he can’t even watch when Hart shakes his hand. But here’s the thing: it just screams toughness. This man is a “tough son of a gun,” Brown said, and that finger just adds to his legend. What’s even wilder is how dedicated Hart is to his game. Even with that bothering, crooked finger, he’s putting in the work to be a great shooter. Pete Patton and the rest of the coaches are all over it, helping him get it right, and Brown highlighted how Hart’s dedication means he can still shoot at a high level. That’s just insane dedication, right?
So, yeah, it’s early October and the vibes from Tarrytown are already buzzing. With a championship under their belt, and players like Anunoby entering the season with sky-high confidence and All-Star expectations, and guys like Hart showing insane dedication, you can bet this team is ready to run it back. Keep your eyes peeled, because this season is just getting started, and it’s looking like it’s going to be electric.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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