The 2025-26 NBA season is on the horizon, prompting excitement and speculation as experts delve into what lies ahead for all 30 teams. Among the franchises under the spotlight is the New York Knicks, who finished the previous season with a strong 51-31 record, only to fall to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals after stunning the Boston Celtics in the second round.
The Knicks’ offensive rating of 117.3 ranked them fifth in the league, while their defense was a little behind at 113.3, placing 13th. This past offseason, they made notable additions by bringing in Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson while parting ways with Precious Achiuwa and veteran P.J. Tucker.
A significant change for the Knicks came with the firing of Tom Thibodeau, the coach who led the team to four playoff series wins in five seasons. While Thibodeau helped the Knicks overachieve during his tenure, the team decided it was time to seek a new direction under Mike Brown, former coach of the Sacramento Kings, who previously served on the staff of the Golden State Warriors during their championship run in 2022.
One of the primary questions regarding the Knicks this season revolves around whether Brown can further enhance the performance of Jalen Brunson, their star point guard. Brunson, at 29, is currently in his prime, having impressive averages of 26 points and 7.3 assists per game last season, and was instrumental in clutch playoff moments. The Knicks boast a competitive roster, bolstered by players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson. With the Celtics and Pacers potentially weakened due to injuries to key players, the Knicks see a significant opportunity to advance further than they have in over two decades.
However, concerns about the Knicks’ defensive capabilities linger, particularly considering the defensive struggles of Brunson and Towns. If Brown can successfully devise strategic plays to maximize their offensive talent while mitigating defensive weaknesses, the team could potentially shine in the Eastern Conference.
Upside scenarios include Brunson remaining an elite player, Towns bringing experience and confidence from previous playoff success, and reliable performances from Bridges and Anunoby. With the landscape of the Eastern Conference appearing more favorable, the Knicks could rise to prominence.
Conversely, if things don’t work out as planned, they could struggle again, finding it difficult to escalate past a second-round ceiling. Questions about their ability to make significant trades in the future, especially for high-profile players, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, could arise depending on how the season unfolds.
The Knicks will open their season on October 22 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and as the anticipation builds, there’s a sense that this season could be pivotal for the franchise. With a path towards potential success clearer than it has been in years, fans have ample reason to be hopeful for the upcoming challenges that lie ahead.