The New York Knicks begin the 2026–27 NBA season trying to retain the championship that ended their 53-year wait. In a preseason analysis, NBA.com's Shaun Powell identifies a strong group of rivals and the league's recent history as obstacles to another title.
A long wait for a repeat champion
The 2018 Golden State Warriors were the last team to defend the championship successfully. Eight different champions followed, reflecting the difficulty of keeping a title-winning group at the top.
The analysis points to financial limits, player retention, injuries and a broader field of contenders. Coach Mike Brown also stresses the pressure New York places on itself, treating the campaign as a new season with new challenges despite the standards established last year.
San Antonio is expected to keep improving after losing the Finals to New York. Oklahoma City retains its central trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Philadelphia, Detroit, Denver, Minnesota, Cleveland and Boston also feature in the article's competitive picture.
Familiar core, fresh challenge
Most of the Knicks' important championship players return. Mitchell Robinson's move to Boston is the notable frontcourt departure, with Andre Drummond added as his replacement.
Jalen Brunson remains the central offensive creator, Karl-Anthony Towns stretches defenses and OG Anunoby offers positional versatility on defense. Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado fill supporting roles, while Brown's staff returns with another year's knowledge of the group.
Brunson wants the same or a tougher mindset. Hart warns against assuming championship form will automatically return on opening night. Those are preseason expectations and assessments; the title defence itself remains to be played.