After acquiring Mikal Bridges and securing OG Anunoby’s re-signing, the New York Knicks have made significant moves in this offseason, aiming to elevate themselves to championship contender status. However, not everyone in the NBA, like Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, shares the same optimism about their prospects.
On his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” Green acknowledged the Knicks’ formidable defensive capabilities, predicting they would be a tough opponent in the regular season. He emphasized their defensive prowess under coach Tom Thibodeau, foreseeing them as potential high seeds in the Eastern Conference, possibly even as high as a No. 1 or No. 2 seed.
Despite praising their defensive intensity and offensive weapons, Green tempered expectations when it comes to playoff success, particularly against perennial contenders like the Boston Celtics. He expressed skepticism about whether the Knicks have assembled a roster capable of overcoming top-tier teams like the Celtics in crucial playoff series.
Green’s insights reflect a broader NBA sentiment that while the Knicks have strengthened their roster significantly, they might still lack the firepower to go all the way to the NBA Finals in the next few years. He speculated that if the team falls short of championship contention, they might eventually need to recalibrate by trading assets to rebuild through draft picks.
For now, the Knicks must focus on integrating their new acquisitions, ensuring all pieces fit cohesively to maximize their potential. As they navigate these adjustments, they face heightened expectations and the challenge of proving themselves as legitimate contenders in the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference landscape.
