New York Knicks Season Preview
Re-signed: Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Jacob Toppin
Additions: Keita Bates-Diop (trade), Mikal Bridges (trade), Cameron Payne (free agency), Karl-Anthony Towns (trade)
Draft Picks: Pacome Dadiet (No. 25 overall), Tyler Kolek (No. 34), Kevin McCullar Jr. (No. 56), Ariel Hukporti (No. 58)
Departures: Bojan Bogdanović (to Nets), Alec Burks (to Heat), Mamadi Diakite (to Nets), Donte DiVincenzo (to Timberwolves), Isaiah Hartenstein (to Thunder), Shake Milton (to Nets), Julius Randle (to Timberwolves)
Unsigned Free Agents: Charlie Brown Jr., DaQuan Jeffries, Duane Washington Jr.
Last Season Recap
The 2023-24 season marked a resurgence for the New York Knicks. Winning 50 games and reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Knicks enjoyed one of their best campaigns since the early 2000s. Jalen Brunson was the driving force, earning All-NBA honors and leading a team brimming with confidence. The midseason trade for OG Anunoby bolstered the Knicks defensively, and contributions from key players like Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy were consistent throughout.
However, the Knicks’ hopes took a hit when Julius Randle suffered a shoulder injury late in the season, keeping him out of their deep playoff run, which ended in a Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Summer Summary
Knicks president Leon Rose swung big in the offseason, landing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, adding a versatile wing and elite defender to the roster. The deal cost five future first-round picks, but the Knicks are clearly in win-now mode.
The blockbuster trade sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns was another power move. Towns adds much-needed frontcourt versatility, stretching the floor with his shooting ability and complementing Brunson’s pick-and-roll game. With Randle’s departure, Towns’ offensive skill set will be key in pushing the Knicks to the next level. Brunson also agreed to a team-friendly four-year, $156 million extension, allowing flexibility for future moves.
The Knicks also focused on youth in the draft, acquiring Tyler Kolek (No. 34 pick), a solid playmaker who could potentially learn behind Brunson. The offseason demonstrated a clear push to surround Brunson with more talent while ensuring depth and balance.
Player Spotlight: Mitchell Robinson
The health and durability of Mitchell Robinson remain critical for the Knicks’ defensive game plan. Returning from another injury, Robinson will anchor the defense, particularly in a division with elite big men like Joel Embiid and Kristaps Porziņģis. His ability to stay on the court will be vital, especially with Towns taking on a more offensive-oriented role in the frontcourt.
Season Outlook
For the first time in decades, a championship is a realistic goal for the Knicks. The combination of Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges gives the team both defensive grit and offensive versatility. Josh Hart and Miles McBride further solidify the Knicks’ depth, and the team can excel in both half-court and up-tempo settings. With elite defenders and scoring threats across multiple positions, New York is primed to challenge the top teams in the East, particularly the Boston Celtics.
While losing Isaiah Hartenstein creates a hole at backup center, the Knicks could address that need by the trade deadline. If everything clicks, this roster has the potential to push for 50-plus wins and make a deep playoff run, with an NBA Finals appearance not out of the question.
