The defending champion Knicks remain loaded, but losing Mitchell Robinson could expose a weakness that several contenders are equipped to attack.
The New York Knicks will enter the 2026-27 season with enough talent and experience to defend their NBA championship, but their biggest weakness could be the lack of a dependable defensive center behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
New York retained most of the roster that finished 53-29 and defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson remains the engine of the offense, while Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart give coach Mike Brown one of the league’s strongest starting groups.
Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach RickBrunsontalks with New York Knicks guard JalenBrunson(11), forwardMikalBridges (25), and guard JoshHart(3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesThe Knicks also retained Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet before signing veteran center Andre Drummond. Their depth remains respectable, but the departure of Mitchell Robinson leaves a role that may be difficult to replace.
Robinson’s impact will be missed
Robinson gave New York a physical presence around the basket, particularly as a rebounder and rim protector. He could defend opposing centers, pursue offensive rebounds and allow Towns to spend more time at power forward.
Drummond should replace some of that production during the regular season. The 32-year-old remains a strong rebounder and gives New York another big body, but his limitations defending in space could make it difficult to keep him on the floor late in playoff games.
Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks center MitchellRobinson(23) is restrained by assistant coach RickBrunsonagainst the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesThat places more defensive responsibility on Towns. Although he provides elite shooting and scoring for his position, protecting the rim has never been the strongest part of his game.
New York’s perimeter defenders can prevent some penetration, but even Anunoby and Bridges will need support when quicker guards reach the paint.
The Knicks could also use smaller groups with Hart or Anunoby at power forward. Those lineups would improve their speed and switching but could leave them vulnerable against larger teams and on the defensive glass.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guardJalenBrunson(11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the fourth quarter during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesSchedule will test frontcourt
The concern should become apparent early. New York will open the season Oct. 20 against a Philadelphia 76ers team featuring Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Four days later, the Knicks will face the Boston Celtics.
The Christmas Day NBA Finals rematch against San Antonio will present another difficult assignment. Victor Wembanyama’s length, mobility and rim protection will force New York to find answers at both ends.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guardJalenBrunson(11) looks on in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesThose matchups will offer an early indication of whether Drummond can fill Robinson’s role or whether the Knicks need another move before the trade deadline.
New York does not have an obvious weakness in its starting lineup, and its championship experience should help it handle the pressure that accompanies defending a title. Still, the margin between contenders is small.
If Towns stays healthy and Drummond supplies reliable minutes, the Knicks should remain near the top of the Eastern Conference. If their interior defense slips, however, New York’s most apparent weakness could prevent another championship run.
