A win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday not only secured a 50-win season for the Knicks, it also ensured they would finish as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. But according to one anonymous player, placing second in the standings was a huge mistake for the Knicks and one that could cost them their season.
“Does New York really want 2? Should they want 2? I don’t think so. At 2, you get Philly or Miami. Three gets you Indiana,” said the player, via Heavy. “Indy’s good but I’d rather them than Philly or Miami. If Philly’s healthy, they’re probably the second-best team in the conference. And Miami always seems to get scary in the playoffs. They win series they’re not supposed to.”
The Knicks were able to avoid an early with the Boston Celtics but the path to the Conference Finals is brutal. In the first round, New York will have to endure a game against either the Philadelphia 76ers with a healthy Joel Embiid or a Miami Heat team that is notorious for their success in the playoffs.
In the case of the Heat, we already saw the Knicks face them last year and they had no answer for Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and wing sharpshooter Caleb Martin. While the Heat are a shell of themselves, they still have the experience and track record that demands respect and brings out the fear in their opponents.
Against Joel Embiid and the 76ers, the Knicks may not fare much better — especially with Julius Randle sidelined for the season. But it's too late to change the matchups now and if the Knicks want to prove themselves as serious contenders in the East, this is their best opportunity to send a message.
New York Knicks Will Go Star Hunting This Summer
The New York Knicks have evolved a lot over the years. Following the departure of Carmelo Anthony years ago, they endured years of humiliation as one of the worst teams in the league. From drafting Frank Ntilikina in 2017 to their horrible free agency pitch to LeBron in 2010, the Knicks had been the laughingstock of the league for years before their miraculous turnaround.
Starting with the takeover of Leon Rose in 2020, the Knicks began a gradual climb to relevancy and it’s resulted in one of the deepest rosters in the East. With star guard Jalen Brunson setting a new culture for the franchise, they’ve adapted a new identity and have easily become one of the NBA’s most attractive up-and-coming teams.
No matter what happens this postseason, the Knicks will be looking to keep this momentum going by any means necessary, and that includes shaking up the roster itself. Potential targets this summer include names like Klay Thompson, Paul George, or even LeBron James if the Knicks make a move for Bronny.
For the Knicks, a lot hinges on this upcoming series against the 76ers. If they get wiped out in the first round, the front office will be forced to ask some serious questions. But if they advance without Randle, it will be further evidence that the Knicks have arrived as a legitimate threat for the title.
More must-reads: