Fans of the New York Knicks are rightly excited about the start of the 2024/25 NBA season. The front office’s moves in the offseason, including the arrivals of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, have led to a good feeling around the Knicks, a sense that the patient work from Tom Thibodeau and his team will pay dividends sooner rather than later.
Will that sooner be this season? It’s too early to say, but the KAT trade, in particular, really started tongues wagging about the Knicks being true contenders this season. That trade moved the dial in the NBA odds, too, shaving off a point or so the Knicks’ chances. The bottom line is that the majority (but not all) of leading sportsbooks have the Knicks down as 3rd favorites overall to be crowned NBA Champions next June.
If we take a trip back in time to the late 2010s, when the Knicks were posting 17 and 21-win seasons, you’ve got to say that, whatever happens this season, it’s good to see the Knicks considered a force again. Thibodeau has, more or less, improved the Knicks in each of his four seasons in charge. Yes, the 2020-21 season was something of a down year, but it has always felt like a step forward each year. Marginal gains at times, yes, but progress nonetheless.
The Knicks must close the gap on the Celtics
That kind of perspective should be front and center for Knicks fans as we progress through the winter. Sure, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they win it all this season, but fans should also be buoyed if there is evidence of progression. What would progression look like? For a start, closing the gap on the Boston Celtics. The Knicks nabbed the No.2 seed spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs last season, but, in truth, they were a million miles behind the Celtics, as a 14-win gap in the standings arguably proved.
Of course, simple progress can be measured in the Playoffs, too. The Knicks have not been to the Conference Finals in 24 seasons. It felt like a missed opportunity when losing to the Pacers last season, even if most believe they would have come up short against the Celtics in the Conference Finals. Still, if the Knicks did get there in 2025, you’d feel that they would be better equipped to deal with Boston’s threats.
Let’s talk about Boston: they are the team to beat in the NBA again this season. Scarily, they did not seem to even break a sweat last season while putting up historic numbers. It’s not that they are unbeatable – no sports team is – but they have everything going in their favor. Their NBA Championship odds are around a third of the Knicks’ and comparable teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks.
The Sixers and Bucks have eyes on the Playoffs
Moreover, we should not forget that the Celtics are not the only contender in the East. Both the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks have designs on winning the Eastern Conference, at least, something that is reflected in their odds. And we shouldn’t overlook the Orlando Magic, a team full of youthful potential that finished just three games back from the Knicks last season. In truth, the Eastern Conference is a bit weaker than the Western Conference overall, so the pathway to the latter stages of the Playoffs might open up nicely for the Knicks.
The Importance of Depth in the Knicks’ Roster
One of the most significant changes for the Knicks heading into the 2024/25 season is their improved depth. The acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges have strengthened their starting lineup, but it’s the bolstered bench that could prove to be the difference in critical games.
Depth matters in the NBA, especially during grueling postseason runs. The Knicks now can rotate effectively without significant drop-offs in performance. Players like Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, and Obi Toppin provide versatility, ensuring the Knicks can match up with any opponent, whether it’s the Celtics’ relentless scoring or the Bucks’ inside dominance.
Having a deep bench not only helps in managing minutes for key players but also allows the Knicks to stay competitive when faced with injuries—a challenge every team encounters during the season. The depth could very well be the X-factor in the Knicks’ ability to close the gap on teams like the Celtics.
Knicks’ Defensive Evolution Under Thibodeau
The defense has been the cornerstone of Tom Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy since he took the helm in New York. The Knicks’ defensive efficiency improved steadily over the past few seasons, and the arrival of Bridges, one of the league’s premier wing defenders, takes their defense to another level.
Bridges, known for his ability to guard multiple positions, will complement Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson in the frontcourt. His presence allows the Knicks to switch more effectively, a strategy necessary for combating teams like the Boston Celtics, who thrive on ball movement and perimeter shooting.
Moreover, Karl-Anthony Towns brings shot-blocking and rim protection to the Knicks, adding a new dimension to their defensive schemes. The combination of Bridges’ perimeter defense and Towns’ interior presence could make the Knicks one of the toughest teams to score against in the Eastern Conference.
Playoff Experience: A Stepping Stone to Success
While the Knicks have made strides in the regular season, playoff success remains the ultimate litmus test. The team’s performance in the 2024 Playoffs highlighted both their potential and their shortcomings. Losing to the Pacers in the Conference Semifinals was a bitter pill to swallow, but it served as a valuable learning experience for a relatively young team.
The addition of veterans like Towns provides not only skill but also a sense of composure in high-pressure moments. Players like Jalen Brunson and Randle, who now have multiple playoff runs under their belts, are more equipped to handle the intensity of postseason basketball.
For the Knicks, making it to the Conference Finals would be a significant milestone. More importantly, it would position them as a legitimate contender capable of challenging powerhouses like the Celtics and Bucks in the East.
Knicks vs. Celtics: A Rivalry Renewed?
The Boston Celtics have long been a thorn in the side of the Knicks. Their dominance in recent years, coupled with their historic rivalry, has created a palpable tension whenever these teams face off. For Knicks fans, narrowing the gap with Boston isn’t just about standings—it’s about reclaiming a sense of pride.
This season, the Knicks are better equipped than ever to challenge the Celtics. With a balanced roster, improved defense, and an upgraded offensive arsenal, New York will aim to make a statement in their matchups against Boston. While the Celtics remain favorites to win the East, the Knicks’ ability to push them in the regular season and potentially in the Playoffs will be a true measure of their progress.
The Knicks must prove they can compete with Boston’s depth and efficiency, especially in clutch moments. Doing so could reignite one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries and pave the way for New York to become a perennial contender.
In the end, expectations are high for the Knicks, and rightly so. Fans can afford to be excited after two decades of not having a team worthy of being called contenders. Yet, a little perspective is needed, especially in these early days of the new season. It’s a long road to the late spring and the Playoffs. The Knicks have the personnel to do some real damage if – and hopefully when – they get there. Yet, it should not be viewed as a single shot at glory. Fans want to see a team that can compete across multiple seasons. So if we see progress this season, that should keep fans happy.
