New York Knicks Named East’s Team to Beat by 2016 Champion Amid Resilience Praise: Feb 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) reacts to his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

New York Knicks Named East’s Team to Beat by 2016 Champion Amid Resilience Praise: 'They Play Together, They Buy In'

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 12:21 AM ET

With the conclusion of the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, teams are preparing for the second half of the 2025-26 season. The New York Knicks are determined to have a strong finish with 27 games left in their campaign. The Knicks are expected to be a threat to win the championship, given that the team reached the Eastern Conference finals last season.

Although there were some struggles this season for the Knicks, they aren’t written off yet. Additionally, they’ve been resilient and have overcome the challenges that come their way. Former NBA player Iman Shumpert named New York as a team that could be a team to beat in the East.

According to the 2016 champion, he believes that it’s the New York Knicks’ time to win because of how they overcame certain problems. Shumpert talked about it on Monday’s episode of SportsCenter.

“When we’re talking about winning right now, I gotta say the Knicks,” Shumpert said. “This is the Knicks’ year, I know people are gonna say, because I’m a Knicks guy.

Are the Knicks primed to win the East?@imanshumpert thinks so, and it's not because he's a "Knicks guy." pic.twitter.com/nVdhSG9kJn

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 16, 2026

“There’s been times that we’ve doubted the New York Knicks and seen their resilience. They figure out ways to win. Down the stretch, they play together, they buy in.”

The Knicks will resume their season on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons.

Jalen Brunson speaks on the New York Knicks adding Jeremy Sochan

After the trade deadline, some players were waived and bought out. Among those is former No. 9 pick of the 2022 draft, Jeremy Sochan. After the San Antonio Spurs let him go, the New York Knicks swooped in to acquire the 22-year-old forward.

During the All-Star Weekend media availability, Jalen Brunson said that he’s “excited” to see the 6-foot-8 forward. Although he isn’t the best offensive player, he provides toughness and grit on the defensive end.

Sochan could make his debut for the Knicks against the Pistons.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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