After last year’s failed chances at a finals appearance, the New York Knicks are heading into next season with tremendously high expectations. After unexpectedly losing to the Indiana Pacers in last year’s Conference Finals, the Knicks front office decided to shake things up, firing coach Tom Thibodeau right after the playoffs and bringing in Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in the offseason.
With the Eastern Conference now completely wide open, the Knicks face a different scenario from last year. The loss of Jayson Tatum by the Celtics and Tyrese Haliburton by the Pacers, both to torn Achilles injuries, has positioned the Knicks as the sole real contender in the East.
Advertisement
Adding to this conversation, former Knicks player Iman Shumpert addressed the team’s outlook on his “All In” podcast.
“Jalen Brunson will lead the Knicks to the promise land?” Shumpert asked his guests. “I think they need one more piece. Orlando has everybody scared. I’m not that scared of Orlando, but the way they get talked about, I wanna see it now, I’m excited,” Shumpert said on the recent episode of All In podcast.
As discussions continue, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic emerge as potential threats to the Knicks. Yet questions linger: How threatening are they, really? The Cavaliers have displayed inconsistent playoff performances, and the Magic, though promising, remain young and injury-prone.
Advertisement
The Knicks’ “Promise Land” is not guaranteed
While Shumpert sees one missing piece, the Knicks already possess a solid foundation in their central core, featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, along with new off-season additions, which makes them the contender they genuinely are. The talent and experience of the team are undeniable; their defense is one of the best in the league, and the playmaking and shooting aspects are in place.
Although most teams today struggle with defense, the Knicks’ main weakness is their unorganized offense, which is primarily focused on Brunson carrying the majority of the load. Heavy isolation, poor shot decisions, lack of movement, and a lack of fluidity were all labels for the Knicks’ offense last season.
Advertisement
Because of that, the new coaching addition of Mike Brown seems contradictory to their problems, as Brown is a well-known defensive-minded coach. Nevertheless, today’s team success revolves around the players, not coaches. With that in mind, there shouldn’t be any excuses left because all the right tools are set for the Knicks.
Missing piece and pressure
Even though the Knicks have all the pieces to make a run, the narrative lies in another missing piece to truly lift the trophy. Most noticeably, a high-level playmaker off the bench to replace Brunson in times of need to keep the game flowing, or a stretch big with a defensive presence who can provide stability off the bench on both ends when Towns and Mitchell Robinson are on a breather.
Advertisement
With that in mind, even if the Knicks fail to acquire the remaining piece, the pressure still stands. The Knicks won’t be forgiven for falling short of a finals appearance, at least. With no real threat in their way, this will most likely be the Knicks’ best chance to finally bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Shumpert’s confidence, along with that of the entire New York City, isn’t just hype; it signals a belief system that the Knicks are built upon. Needless to say, all eyes will be on the NBA’s biggest market, and without a doubt, it will be interesting to watch it all unfold.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.