76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) looks on vs. Knicks' Jalen Brunson
Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The reigning NBA champion New York Knicks may enter the 2026-27 season with the edge over the revamped Philadelphia 76ers, but league insiders believe that advantage could disappear by the time the playoffs arrive.
In a report for ESPN, Vincent Goodwill spoke with executives, scouts and assistant coaches around the league to evaluate one of the Eastern Conference's most anticipated rivalries following Philadelphia's blockbuster offseason additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
According to Goodwill, the consensus among league insiders is that New York's continuity and championship experience should translate into early-season success, while Philadelphia's newly assembled roster may require time to develop chemistry.
“In the wake of James' decision — and with the NBA expected to release its full 2026-27 schedule later this month — ESPN spent the past week speaking with several executives, scouts and coaches about the matchups, schemes and stars that could decide Knicks-76ers: the team that knows itself versus the team learning something new every day.
“You have to approach this from scratch,” an East assistant coach said of Philadelphia's approach to the season. “When you start playing, there's certain things you can't teach that you've learned over the years that are [instinctual] when you have a veteran or chemistry-laden team.”
NBA insiders believe Knicks' chemistry gives them early edge over Philly
The same assistant coach noted that New York's confidence after winning the NBA title should help the Knicks avoid being intimidated by Philadelphia's star power.
“They built up their résumé to the point where they believed they could beat anybody,” the East assistant said. “You get to the point where composure and poise are the ingredients. That's experience. That's why they were never out of a game.”
One executive echoed that belief but added an important caveat.
“The Knicks will have them early because of their confidence, and the team chemistry will be off the charts,” the executive said. “It's going to take Philly a while to come together. But by the playoffs, Philly will find its groove.”
Another Eastern Conference assistant coach pointed to several tactical questions Philadelphia still must answer before opening night.
“Who's their backup point guard? LeBron isn't bringing the ball up against anybody that's going to pressure him,” he said. “He's proven at this stage of his career he doesn't want that part of the responsibility. Now, he's a facilitator. But he won't bring it up against pressure.”
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League insiders question 76ers' leadership and late-game identity
Jan 28, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket defended by Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden.
Jan 28, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket defended by Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half at TD Garden.
The defensive matchup also drew attention.
“The two people that have the best chance of guarding them are [Josh] Hart and OG,” the first East assistant coach said.
Philadelphia's biggest challenge, however, may extend beyond X's and O's. With James, Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey sharing the floor, defining roles and establishing leadership will be critical during the early stages of the season.
“What's their belief when s— gets tough? What sets are they running?” the coach said. “Who's the leader? Does Jaylen Brown become the vocal leader? Is it Bron? What about Maxey, is he one of the guys? There's the dynamic stuff that's more important than the physical stuff.”
Not everyone viewed those questions as long-term concerns.
“They all know they're going to have to sacrifice,” another assistant coach said. “The respect for each other's individual games is already established, and the crown will be passed around and understood.”
That distinction ultimately defines the consensus around the matchup. Most insiders expect the Knicks to be the stronger regular-season team because of their continuity and established chemistry. However, many also believe Philadelphia's ceiling could be even higher once James, Brown and the rest of the roster have time to build cohesion, making a potential postseason showdown between the Eastern Conference heavyweights one of the NBA's most compelling storylines.