The Knicks still have a great chance to compete in an improved Eastern Conference.
The New York Knicks will be going into the 2026-27 season as NBA champions for the first time in over half a century, but that doesn't mean that the Knicks' place at the top of the Eastern Conference is secured.
The conference has rapidly improved around them. The Philadelphia 76ers stand out as possibly the most threatening team in the conference after adding Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to a team that already featured Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, while the Boston Celtics can expect a full season out of a now-healthy Jayson Tatum.
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) drives against Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (11) in the second quarter during game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesThe Indiana Pacers should be more threatening with the impending return of Tyrese Haliburton from his own injury and the Toronto Raptors, should things remain unchanged b the end of the NBA's investigation of the Los Angeles Clippers, will be adding Kahwi Leonard via trade, making them a sneakily threatening team as well.
The Detroit Pistons, last season's first-seed in the Eastern Conference, should also be threatening, but the free agent status of Jalen Duren and the possibility that he may not return to the Pistons leaves their status somewhat in chaos.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Lucas Boland-Imagn ImagesThe Knicks Have a Shot
Although, even with the rest of the conference improving, the Knicks should still be a major threat, They've retained the majority of their roster from last season and made a key addition by adding Andre Drummond to replace Mitchell Robinson and after finishing as the third-seed in the conference last season, they should be in a good place to repeat that success.
With the momentum of a championship on their side, the Knicks should even be able to improve on their regular season finish from last season and while the 76ers will likely finish as the first place team in the conference, the Knicks can finish right behind them as the second-seed in the conference.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) goes to the basket as Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesWhat The Rest of the Conference Will Look Like
Following the Knicks could be the Celtics as the third-seed and the Raptors, should they have Leonard, as the fourth-seed. The Cavaliers are another team that could be serious threats after adding Peyton Watson and with them likely to re-sign James Harden to a multi-year deal, they could finish right behind the Raptors as the fifth-seed.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesAfter that, it could be the Pacers, followed by the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic to round out the top eight teams in the conference.
Things won't be easy for the Knicks in the Eastern Conference next season, though things weren't easy for them last season and things still clearly worked out.
