THE The New York Knicks The St. Louis Cardinals have their best team in over a decade, with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Julius Randle leading one of the deepest teams in the league. Coming off a season where they won 50 regular-season games and finished second in the Eastern Conference, their expectations are the highest they’ve been in quite some time.
The Knicks are considered one of the best teams in the league.
ESPN has released predictions for every team in the East Heading into the 2024-25 season, New York improves on last season’s success by winning 53 games while repeating as second-place finisher in the conference behind the defending champion Boston Celtics.
“The Knicks and 76ers are neck and neck in our predictive rankings, in second and third place, respectively, with a budding tri-state rivalry after a thrilling six-game first-round series last season. The Nova Knicks “will rally behind point guard Jalen Brunson and recently re-signed OG Anunoby, while the 76ers hope their superstar trio of Paul George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey can push Philadelphia all the way to the Finals,” ESPN staff wrote.
The Knicks have one of the most talented teams in the NBA
Despite the Philadelphia 76ers signing Paul George, it’s safe to say that the Knicks are still a more talented and deeper team. Philadelphia has the best line, but New York has two All-Stars in Brunson and Randle, two of the best fullbacks in OG Anunoby and Bridges, and a very talented bench that includes Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart.
The biggest obstacle that could prevent them from having a great run last season is their health. Last season, they played the entire second half of the season, including the playoffs, without Randle, and were without Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson for much of the second round against the Indiana Pacers. Hart and Brunson also dealt with late-round injuries that ultimately sealed the Knicks’ fate.
However, health is not a factor that can be easily predicted, so if they can stay healthy throughout the season, there is no reason why New York can’t have a good campaign and at least reach the Eastern Conference Finals. They will be up for the challenge of having to topple the Celtics for the crown, but in their current configuration, they are well equipped to do so.
