New York Knicks snubbed latest Eastern Conference power rankings
The timing of going all in has paid off for the Knicks, as they are in a good position to make a run at the NBA title in 2026. Teams like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers will be without some of their top players due to injury, and other threats like the Milwaukee Bucks haven't improved much or at all. This opens the door for a team like New York to put together an even deeper run in the postseason.
As the offseason rolls along, the people at NBA.com updated their power rankings for the teams in the East. New York almost secured the top spot, slotting in at No. 2 behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Looking at each team's offseason, a case could be made for the Knicks being put ahead of the Cavs. While they did undergo a coaching change, they are bringing back all of their core pieces and were able to add depth in the form of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. Meanwhile, Cleveland has a big void to fill with guard Ty Jerome leaving in free agency.
Come next season, the Knicks very well could find themselves atop these power rankings for an extended period. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns proved to be a strong duo and might only improve under a more offensive-minded coach in Mike Brown. Looking at the conference as a whole, it's hard not to view them as one of the favorites to represent the East in next year's NBA Finals.
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