The New York Knicks are kicking off preseason play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday and even if it's preseason, expectations are still high for the defending champions. 

After an offseason that saw the return of nearly every free agent from the 2026 championship-winning roster, the Knicks are poised for an impressive 2026-27 as well, which all kicks off against the 76ers, who have made some serious upgrades to their roster as well. 

Preseason isn't a total representation of how the season will unfold for the Knicks, but it is a great way to look at what could be brewing for New York and there are three things in particular to watch out for as the first preseason game gets underway.

Chemistry among the Knicks' starting five certainly wasn't an issue for New York last season, in fact it was one of the team's greatest strengths, and with that starting five remaining unchanged it should continue to be a strong suit for the team.

Still, it's worth checking in to see if a summer of celebration has changed things at all for the Knicks' biggest stars and if their sudden respective vaults into celebrity will have any effect on the on-court product. 

The concept of a "championship hangover" is a dreaded one for any team defending a title and considering that there hasn't been a repeat NBA champion since the 2017-18 Warriors, it may be a theory that holds some weight. 

The Knicks are dealing with loftier expectations this season than they've had for some time and the next test after history was made last season will be to see how they can hold up in the spotlight. 

While the Knicks did a great job of retaining talent this offseason, their most notable departure was center Mitchell Robinson, who signed with the Boston Celtics this summer. Robinson played a crucial role as the backup to center Karl-Anthony Towns and added a vital defensive factor to the team. 

The Knicks did sign center Andre Drummond to serve as a replacement for Robinson, but New York has an overall deficit in size that needs to be contended with. 

Preseason will offer a chance at seeing how Drummond manages in the backup role that Robinson once filled and will also give a glimpse into what the Knicks' defense will look like even if they are somewhat size-challenged when it comes to front court depth.

Landry Shamet has spent the last two seasons in New York and will likely be spending four more there after signing a new contract with the Knicks in the offseason, but his role going forward could be different than it was before. 

Shamet has been a dependable role player for the Knicks, but after an impressive array of three point shooting during the 2026 playoffs, there's been a brighter spotlight on him now than ever before. 

After proving himself so significantly, Shamet could have a promotion from role player to true Sixth Man in his future and preseason could be the perfect proving ground to see how that role shift could best help the Knicks.