'Looks Like a Long Shot' – New York Knicks Not an Ideal Team For Russell Westbrook

Westbrook might have trouble finding a spot in the New York Knicks’ rotation, Vertsberger pointed out.

“Westbrook looks like a long shot, given rumors don’t tie him to New York and there’s no clear path to consistent minutes in this rotation. With that being said, he’s proven much more impactful than Brogdon or Simmons in recent years, and would be an absolute firecracker of an add if the Knicks pulled it off,” Vertsberger wrote.

“These are valuable things to bring off your bench, especially in a limited role on a small deal, it’s just unlikely Westbrook takes one with three guards ahead of him on the depth chart. Fun to think about, especially in the context of a slower Knicks team, but not much else to consider here.”

ESPN’s Mark Jones believes the New York Knicks can reach the NBA Finals

The New York Knicks were close to reaching the NBA Finals during the 2025 playoffs. However, they encountered the Indiana Pacers, who were in the middle of a historic postseason run. This led to them getting eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals.

This summer, the Knicks added reinforcement and kept their core players to continue competing for the NBA championship. ESPN’s Mark Jones said recently that he believes the Knicks has what it takes to win in the East and be in the Finals next season.

“I think the Knicks have the roster to win the east,” Jones said. “Espescially when I look at the incremental improvements that Mike [Brown] can make. I think Mike — knowing him — is way ahead of the game in New York, he’s already done his homework.”

With the East being “open,” the Knicks could take advantage of it and be the best team in the conference.