Playing for the city known as the “Mecca of Basketball,” the Knicks have always been one of the most iconic teams in the NBA. Despite their rich history, the franchise has been overshadowed by mediocrity and disappointment since the 1990s. Prior to the 2022 NBA season, the Knicks hadn’t reached the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals since 2012, a stretch where they had a total record of 262-450. But as of recently, the Knicks have shown a glimmer of hope, achieving a record of 50-32 just last year thanks largely to the efforts of Jalen Brunson. With a clear opportunity to take the league by storm, the Knicks made several roster changes during this past offseason, leaving them as a potential favorite to win the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
#1: Acquiring Mikal Bridges
Over the past few years, the Knicks have been stockpiling plenty of trade assets, preparing for a blockbuster trade for a superstar that fans have been waiting for. Well, Mikal Bridges may not be the superstar that was expected, but there is no doubt that the Villanova product will make a significant difference in the team’s success. Having played 474 consecutive games, Mikal Bridges has always been a reliable piece of a winning team. However, it’s his 3 and D ability that will help the Knicks the most. Bridges, who averaged 20 points per game last year, is also a defensive threat, finishing 2nd in voting for the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year Award. With his ability to stay on the floor and make an impact across all 94 feet, Bridges will fit in nicely as a starting forward for New York.
#2: Re-Signing OG Anunoby
After the Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, two homegrown players, for Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby mid-season in 2024, most fans were heartbroken. However, Anunoby quickly won their hearts in just 23 games played for the Knicks when the team’s defensive rating soared to 2nd in the league at one point. Similar to Bridges, Anunoby is a proven 3 and D threat, shooting 39% from beyond the arc last year. Fans knew the talent was there, but Anunoby’s game-changing dunk in game 7 of the Eastern Conference First Round proved that he had the heart to compete in the playoffs as well. Signing him to a $212.5 million contract for five years, the Knicks clearly think Anunoby can help lead them to their first championship since 1973.
#3: Trading for Karl-Anthony Towns
A 4x All-Star for the Minnesota Timberwolves, KAT has always been one of the best centers in the league. Including his above-average 3-point shooting, Towns has proven to be a scoring machine when needed, achieving a career-high of 62 points in one game last year. Towns is one of the most talented players in the league and he has the stats to prove it, averaging a 23/11/3 split throughout his career, but his trade makes a deeper impact than just skill. In the process of his acquisition, the Knicks gave up Julius Randle, whose contract would have blown the Knicks past the league’s salary cap. Although Randle had been an All-NBA player for New York, his performance in the playoffs showed that the team may have been better off going in another direction. With that being said, the trade also provides more depth at the center position for the Knicks. With starter Mitchell Robinson missing the first 3 months due to foot surgery, Towns will be leading the frontcourt, as long as he can stay healthy.
Overview:
Having made the transition from one of the worst teams in sports to a top-5 team in the NBA, the Knicks’ growth has created plenty of excitement for this year’s upcoming season. With the new acquisitions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks now have the 2nd-best odds to win the NBA Finals, a feat that they haven’t achieved since 1973, over 50 years ago. However, there’s no doubt that the path to success won’t come easy. The Eastern Conference holds some of the league’s best talents, including last year’s Finals winners: the Boston Celtics. Along with them, the Philadelphia 76ers pose one of the greatest threats in the league after recently acquiring Paul George, a star forward from the Los Angeles Clippers. But regardless of where the Knicks finish, there’s no doubt that New York will be one of the most lively teams entering this year.
