Josh Hart isn't worried about what the media has to say.
The New York Knicks have earned the right to call themselves the favorites coming into the 2026-27 season as the reigning NBA Champions.
The Knicks rolled through the playoffs, going 16-3 with two losses coming in their first three games. They swept the second round and Eastern Conference Finals before defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the Finals.
Working in the Knicks’ favor is the fact that they are bringing back their same starting lineup with Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns all returning.
Their bench will largely be the same as well, with Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, and Mohamed Diaware returning.
The team did lose backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics, but added Andre Drummond to serve as his replacement.
Josh Hart Isn’t Worried
Appearing on Take Off, Josh Hart was asked if he considers the Knicks or the Philadelphia 76ers, who added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in the offseason, as the team to beat.
“I don’t really know. I don’t really care, either,” said Hart.
He said that the Knicks aren’t complacent and they are still the hunters and hungry for a second championship. He reiterated that he isn’t worried about who the media believes the team to beat it.
The East looks to be improved this season with the 76ers, who the Knicks swept in the second round, adding James and Brown while returning Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. The Cavaliers, who the Knicks swept in the Conference Finals, added Peyton Watson while returning Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
The Indiana Pacers, who were in the Finals in 2025, will welcome back Tyrese Haliburton while the Boston Celtics will have a full season of Jayson Tatum and have further leaned into their three-point shooting.
Should Hart Be Worried?
No. It’s a long season, and teams are going to go through ups and downs. The Knicks are the hunted because they are the reigning champions, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be on the hunt.
They know that they’ll get the best shot of every team on any given night because every team wants to claim a victory over the defending champions. They are the litmus test this season, especially in the Eastern Conference.
But it would be foolish to worry about what other teams have done when your team remains the same coming off a championship.
