NBA.com describes them as contenders with asterisks.
In John Schuhmann’s Eastern Conference offseason power rankings, the New York Knicks sit at #2, trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a vote of confidence in the team’s consistency, depth, and the vision of Leon Rose & Co. Nonetheless, key questions remain about fit, flow, and whether this group can finally reach the NBA Finals and championship glory.
The Knicks return a starting lineup that logged a league-high 940 minutes together. That continuity matters. But Schuhmann notes a worrying postseason regression: that same unit was outscored by 6.2 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs, raising flags about scalability. Adding 11-year-vet Jordan Clarkson may help with secondary creation, but the Knicks still lag in movement, where they’ve ranked in the bottom seven for five straight years.
That could change under new head coach Mike Brown, whose Kings squads led the league in ball movement and offensive efficiency in 2022–23. Schuhmann notes that the Knicks’ offense showed flashes of a more dynamic identity during Jalen Brunson’s 15-game, injury-related absence late last season. The challenge will be blending that style with Brunson, who’s led the NBA in time of possession two years running.
On the defensive end, New York still needs help. The team ranked 13th in Defensive Rating last season and will lean on Brown to coax more out of Karl-Anthony Towns. While an offensive savant, his pick-and-roll coverage has been notoriously Charmin soft. The supporting starters Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby bring defensive grit, but the Knicks need buy-in across the board—especially if Precious Achiuwa, still unsigned, doesn’t return.
Schuhmann ranks the Cavs #1 in the East, highlighting their elite offense, which was tops in the NBA last season at 121 points per 100 possessions, and their strong overall depth. He praises their shooting (nine players hit league-average or better from three) and major improvements in player and ball movement. However, he cites their defense as a concern, especially after Indiana whupped them in the second round of the playoffs. With Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. added, Cleveland remains a conference favorite and one of the Knicks’ biggest challengers this upcoming season.
Stability counts, though. Unlike other East hopefuls, the Knicks avoided major departures. With Boston reeling from injuries, Milwaukee shifting post-Dame, and Philly a weird wild card, the door appears to be open for our heroes. If Brown can unlock better ball movement without disrupting Brunson’s rhythm (and get Towns to hold his own on defense), this team has a real shot to be the last one standing.
Read the full piece, and all of Schuhmann’s rankings, here.
Go Knicks.