Over the past couple of years, the New York Knicks have gone from a storied franchise that has struggled to put together a competitive roster to what could be a legitimate title contender heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
Last season, the Knicks showed great promise and resilience as the team, led by superstar guard Jalen Brunson, defied the odds and were one win from reaching the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals.
Despite being banged up heading into the postseason with Julius Randle out for the season and OG Anunoby on the mend, the Knicks put on a show and displayed a lot of heart as they gave the Indiana Pacers all they could handle in the second round until Brunson went down with a hand injury in Game 7.
With Knicks brass knowing they are potentially in a championship window and needing to capitalize, especially with the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Pacers among the formidable opponents in the East, New York went out and acquired another former Villanova star, Mikal Bridges, in a trade with the rival Brooklyn Nets.
The addition of Bridges boosted the Knicks’ case in the title-contending conversation, and Brunson gave fans a reason to like the newcomer right out of the gate.
“That man got off the plane from London last night and was in the gym this morning bright and early. That should tell you everything you need to know about him,” Brunson said, via New York Basketball.
“That man got off the plane from London last night & was in the gym this morning bright & early. That should tell you everything you need to know about him.”
–– Jalen Brunson on Mikal Bridges pic.twitter.com/39HCUpg2ms
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 16, 2024
With Brunson, Bridges, Randle, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo leading the way, the Knicks might be able to make even more noise in the East and potentially contend with the best of the best in the conference for the foreseeable future.
It’ll be interesting to see how this team comes together during the 2024-25 campaign and whether it truly has what it takes to go the distance.
NEXT:
Knicks Legend Picked Himself As Best Player In Team History