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New York Knicks
Aug 11, 2025 9:55 PM EDT
The New York Knicks are set to enter the 2025-26 NBA season as one of the teams to beat in the weakened Eastern Conference.
Of course, the Knicks are coming off an impressive season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during their game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Dec. 28, 2024.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during their game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Dec. 28, 2024. — Source: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Despite this, they elected to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau and replace him with Mike Brown this offseason and they also made major additions to their bench to upgrade it behind their core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.
Knicks’ star trio not ranked among best in NBA
Because of this, the Knicks have emerged as one of the favorites to come out of the East next season, though Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz did not list their star trio of Brunson, Towns and Anunoby as one of the top five big threes in the NBA.
New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates during a game. — Source: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“The Knicks have a few different Big 3 versions, as Anunoby can be swapped out for Mikal Bridges or Josh Hart. The net rating with Brunson, Towns, and any of the other three was very similar,” Swartz wrote. “Brunson and Towns were both named All-Star starters in the Eastern Conference last season and made the second and third All-NBA teams, respectively. Anunoby averaged 18.0 points per game and is one of the best wing defenders in the league. Towns’ struggles on defense will limit the defensive ceiling of any Knicks’ Big 3, although this will be the second-best trio in the East next season.”
While Swartz mentioned that Anunoby can be switched out with both Hart and Bridges in their big three and Towns’ struggles defensively will limit the team, Knicks fans believe that their star trio deserved to be ranked in the top five in the league and they took to social media to voice their opinions.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots a three point basket over Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the first quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots a three point basket over Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the first quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images — Source: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“Lol,” one fan commented on X.
“Why would two all-star starters and a top five defender in the NBA be considered for such a list,” another fan jokingly posted.
“When’s the last time Bleacher posted anything around the Knicks that made any sense,” another fan asked.
It is clear that Knicks fans believe that their star trio should be ranked much higher on Swartz’s list and they will look to prove him wrong next season as they chase a championship with Brunson, Towns and Anunoby leading the way.
About the Author
Nathaniel Holloway