Eighth Avenue takes on a whole new meaning for the New York Knicks on Monday afternoon.
Per the team's social media channels, newcomer OG Anunoby will don the No. 8 for his metropolitan debut on Monday afternoon against the Minnesota Timberwolves (3 p.m. ET, MSG/NBA TV). Anunoby previously wore No. 3 during his first six NBA seasons with the Toronto Raptors but that digit is currently held by Josh Hart.
Anunoby is the 26th player in Knicks history to wear "The Ocho" and the first since DaQuan Jeffries earlier this season. Jeffries was waived on Saturday to make room for Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn after they came over from the Raptors in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick.
The No. 8 has a lasting place in Knicks lore: one of its first wearers was Nat Clifton, the first black player to play for New York and second in NBA history. Other notable bearers of the digit include Latrell Sprewell, Danilo Gallinari, JR Smith, and Kemba Walker. Current Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka also wore No. 8 during his brief stint with the Knicks in 2006.
The roster on the Knicks' official site currently has Achiuwa taking over Quickley's old No. 5 threads while Flynn is listed as No. 22, even though that number is retired for Dave DeBusschere. Flynn will not play on Monday due to an ankle injury. Per Fred Katz of The Athletic, Flynn will wear No. 4, taking over the uniform Derrick Rose left behind.
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