The defending champions retained their core, but health, center depth and the pressure of pursuing another title will test them.
The New York Knicks enter the 2026-27 season in an unfamiliar position: Everybody else is chasing them.
New York won its first NBA championship since 1973 behind Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and a starting lineup featuring Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Knicks retained that entire starting five, along with important reserves such as Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet. That continuity gives them a legitimate opportunity to repeat.
However, several questions could determine whether the Knicks return to the NBA Finals.
Oct 31, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Knicks head coach MikeBrowntalks with guard JalenBrunson(11) and center Karl-AnthonyTowns(32) during the second half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesIs Brunson Completely Healthy?
The star guard underwent surgery on his left wrist in July after averaging 26 points and 6.8 assists last season. He is expected to be ready for the season, but wrist problems can be concerning for a player who depends heavily on his shooting touch and ball control.
New York must also manage his workload.
Brunson carried a significant offensive burden throughout the championship run, culminating in a 45-point performance in the Finals clincher. Coach Mike Brown cannot treat the regular season like another seven-month sprint without considering the physical cost.
Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) drives to the basket while surrounded by New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8), Knicks guard Josh Hart (3), Knicks guard JalenBrunson(11), and Knicks center Karl-AnthonyTowns(32) during game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesClarkson, Alvarado and McBride give the Knicks enough backcourt depth to reduce Brunson’s minutes when necessary. Towns and Bridges can also accept larger offensive roles during the regular season.
Can Drummond Replace Robinson?
Mitchell Robinson was the most important player to leave New York’s championship rotation.
Robinson signed with the rival Boston Celtics, and the Knicks replaced him with Andre Drummond. Drummond remains a strong rebounder, but he does not provide the same mobility, rim protection or defensive versatility Robinson offered.
That leaves New York vulnerable behind Towns.
Towns averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds last season, but the Knicks benefited from having a defensive center behind him. Drummond can control the glass and finish around the basket, although opponents may target him in space during playoff series.
New York may need to pursue another center before the trade deadline. Even a dependable third option would provide insurance against an injury.
Can the Knicks Handle Being Hunted?
Repeating requires a different mentality than winning the first championship.
The Knicks will receive every opponent’s best effort. Rival teams will spend the season studying their offense and searching for weaknesses that can be exploited during the playoffs.
The Eastern Conference also became more difficult. Miami added Giannis Antetokounmpo, while Philadelphia built a formidable group around Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey.
New York still has enough talent to remain near the top. Brunson is an elite closer, Towns creates difficult matchups, and Anunoby, Bridges and Hart form a versatile collection of wings.
However, retaining the same core does not guarantee the same result.
The Knicks must protect Brunson, overcome Robinson’s departure and rediscover the urgency that powered their championship run. If they answer those questions, their title defense could extend deep into June.
