Free agency has brought excitement to the entire NBA, with several teams strengthening significantly and dynamically entering the title conversation. The moves that have been made are also impressive, with Giannis Antetokounmpo moving from Milwaukee to Miami and Jaylen Brown now becoming a member of the 76ers.
Amidst all this noise, however, many seem to be overlooking the champion New York Knicks.
With the exception of Mitchell Robinson’s departure, the champions have kept their core intact. Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and the rest of the… crew, remain in the Big Apple.
They possess cohesion, depth, quality, and now the experience of a team that knows the way to the top. At the same time, the burden of the “must-win” has been lifted from their shoulders, allowing them to play with greater confidence and freedom.
We are, after all, talking about a team with tremendous defensive consistency, toughness, and chemistry. During their recent championship season, the Knicks allowed an average of 110 points and scored 116 per game, a rather impressive ratio.
It goes without saying, of course, that Mike Brown remains on the bench, the architect of this entire effort. Brown is a modern coach, non-authoritarian, but rather open to discussion and accommodating, which counts for a lot with the players and gives them ample freedom.
This does not mean, of course, that the Knicks lack solid principles in their game. Because, after all, we are talking about a well-coached team that was not built overnight. It is a structure that has been supported for a long time and developed significantly, with major steps of progress made in recent years.
Others may have stolen the spotlight with their moves, but the Knicks remain one of the most complete teams in the league and have all the tools to make a serious push for the repeat.
