Knicks Aim for the Finals This Year

A former star analyst believes that this is the year the Knicks will finally break through and make it to the NBA Finals.

Carmelo Anthony shared this optimistic prediction during the NBA Season Preview event at NBC Sports headquarters, suggesting it could help the network regain its influence over league games.

“The Knicks will be number one in the East, and I want to explain why,” said Anthony, who has joined NBC as a studio analyst. “They’ve been gearing up for this moment for, I think, the last three or four years with a solid winning formula.”

Currently, the Knicks are viewed as contenders in the Eastern Conference, alongside the Cavaliers. This outlook comes as the Pacers and Celtics seem to lack star power for the upcoming season.

This offseason, the Knicks fortified their bench while maintaining their core group. Notably, they added Jordan Clarkson, Gershon Yabusele, and Malcolm Brogdon. With the recent coaching shift from Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown, the coaching situation might be their biggest hurdle.

“They have the players and solid point guards,” Anthony mentioned during a panel discussion with fellow analysts Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. “Some might argue there’s the best big man shooting in basketball history happening right now… Jalen Branson is running the point. This season, he’ll be adjusting to a new style with Mike Brown, allowing Clarkson and Brogdon to bring their energy into the game. I’m seeing excitement during preseason play. I just think the Knicks are the number one seed and I’m confident about it.”

The Knicks, led by Branson, made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year for the first time since 2000 but lost to the Pacers in six games.

In his first three seasons with the team, Branson has become one of the league’s top guards. This year, however, it’s likely he will be required to adapt to a more dynamic playing style.

“The only question mark I have about the Knicks is Jalen Branson’s role. I think they’re really strong, but will he be on the ball regularly?” Anthony added. “Mike Brown comes from a system that emphasizes ball movement and player mobility. It’ll be interesting to see how they implement this new offense.”

As for Anthony’s own outlook, he simply stated, “He’s going to have to shift his focus off the ball when needed.”

Both Anthony and McGrady indicated that if the new approach doesn’t yield immediate results, Brown could face significant pressure.

The expectations for the Knicks are undeniably high, fueled by hopes that one of their most recognized former players will be celebrating in June.