Knicks' New Look: Can They Shake Off the Past?

The NBA offseason is almost over, and most teams have wrapped up their business. This means it's time to see where the Knicks stand compared to the rest of the league in the early 2025-26 power rankings.

Teams in Tough Spots

Nets: Made a series of questionable moves, leaving them in a tough spot.
Jazz: Have a long way to go before they can compete for a championship.
Raptors: Also have a long way to go before they can compete for a championship.

Teams Thinking They Can Compete

Bulls: Have a decent roster but might end up in the play-in tournament again.
Kings: Have some solid players but need to think about the future and whether they can land a key player like Jonathan Kuminga.

Teams Expected to Improve

Blazers: Added Jrue Holiday, which should help their defense and win total.
Hawks: Traded for Kristaps Porzingis, which could finally push them into the top six in the East.
Pelicans: Success depends on how many games Zion Williamson can play, but adding firepower around him is a step in the right direction.

Teams with Questions to Answer

Hornets: Need LaMelo Ball to mature and focus on winning, not just highlights.
Suns: Have Devin Booker locked up long-term, but they might sell off competitive parts by the trade deadline.
Celtics: Will have to rely on Jaylen Brown as the No. 1 option, which is a tall order.

Teams with Key Injuries or Changes

Pacers: In a tough spot after losing Tyrese Haliburton for the season and Myles Turner to Milwaukee.
Grizzlies: Hoping new additions can fill the void left by Desmond Bane, which could make them a contender.
Warriors: Have Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, but their depth is a concern.

Teams with Playoff Hopes

Heat: Always find a way to make a run.
76ers: Success depends on Joel Embiid's health.
Bucks: Made some changes, like replacing Damian Lillard with Cole Anthony and upgrading to Myles Turner.
Spurs: Expected to make the playoffs, with Victor Wembanyama in the MVP conversation.

Teams with Potential Surprises

Pistons: Believe they could've beaten the Knicks in the playoffs if Jaden Ivey was healthy.
Magic: Were hit hard by injuries last season, but adding Desmond Bane makes them a team to watch.
Lakers: Success depends on Luka Doncic's fitness and whether there's drama around LeBron James.

Teams with New Additions

Knicks: Have a new coach and added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. Can they finally make a run for their first title in over 50 years?
Mavericks: Have loads of firepower and can play both sides of the ball, especially if Kyrie Irving returns for the playoff push.
Clippers: Deep at every position, and Kawhi Leonard is coming off his healthiest season in years.
Cavaliers: Will be without Darius Garland at the start of the season, but they could remind everyone of their lethality by the playoffs.
Timberwolves: Didn't make many upgrades, so they might have plateaued.

Teams with Big Moves

Rockets: Added Kevin Durant, solving their scoring problem.
Nuggets: Made some changes, like swapping Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson, which could give them new life.
Thunder: The team to beat, with a deep roster and the reigning MVP.