For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks enter a season as defending NBA champions. After a 53-29 regular season and a championship run that culminated in a 4-1 NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks have finally reached the mountaintop.
Now, with a largely intact roster, New York has its sights set on something it has not accomplished in more than half a century: back-to-back titles.
Brunson cemented his place in franchise history with a dominant postseason. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns helped form a core capable of competing with the league’s best.
The offseason largely revolved around keeping that championship group together. New York retained key contributors Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet, but lost backup center Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency. The Knicks brought in veteran center Andre Drummond to help fill the void.
The challenge now is turning a championship breakthrough into sustained success. With expectations higher than ever and the Eastern Conference continuing to evolve, the Knicks have the talent to contend again. But repeating as champions is a different challenge altogether.
Knicks Biggest Offseason Loss: Mitchell Robinson
Losing Mitchell Robinson was the Knicks’ most significant offseason departure. That’s even if his role was not always reflected in the box score.
Robinson signed with the Celtics after spending his entire NBA career in New York, leaving behind a defensive presence that played a major role in the team’s championship run.
Robinson averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season, but his value extended well beyond those numbers. His offensive rebounding, shot-blocking, and paint presence gave the Knicks a different dimension whenever he stepped onto the floor. He also allowed New York to maintain a physical presence inside without relying exclusively on Towns.
That distinction becomes especially important in the postseason, when teams target defensive weaknesses and every possession carries added weight. Robinson’s ability to alter shots and create second-chance opportunities helped New York establish its identity as a team capable of winning tough, physical games.
His departure leaves the Knicks with fewer options at center and puts more pressure on Towns. While he offers a different skill set, particularly as a scorer and floor spacer, replacing Robinson’s defensive impact will require a collective effort.
Robinson’s departure could prove more consequential than it initially appears.
Knicks Biggest Offseason Addition: Andre Drummond
To fill the backup center role with Robinson’s departure, New York signed Andre Drummond to a one-year deal. The veteran big man brings considerable experience, a strong rebounding track record, and a physical presence that should fit naturally into New York’s frontcourt rotation.
Drummond averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game with the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Across his NBA career, he has averaged 12.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s most accomplished rebounders.
His biggest responsibility in New York will be helping the Knicks maintain their rebounding advantage when Towns sits. Drummond’s ability to secure defensive boards and create second-chance opportunities should give the second unit a reliable interior presence. He can also absorb regular-season minutes, letting Towns be fresh for the postseason.
Drummond’s role will likely be straightforward: protect the paint, rebound, set screens, and provide a physical presence. If he can consistently deliver those contributions, New York will have a dependable veteran behind Towns.
The addition does not erase the loss of Robinson, but it gives the Knicks an experienced option as they look to preserve the depth that helped them win a championship.
Knicks Best-Case Scenario Outcome
The Knicks’ best-case scenario is a 60-win regular season, followed by a second consecutive NBA championship. With Brunson leading a veteran core that already knows what it takes to win at the highest level, New York has a realistic foundation for another deep postseason run.
Reaching that ceiling begins with health. Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, Bridges and Hart need to stay available and productive. The Knicks’ championship success was built on the chemistry and complementary skills of their starting group.
The bench would need to deliver as well. Clarkson and Shamet could provide valuable scoring, while Alvarado’s defensive energy would help set the tone. Drummond would need to make the most of his minutes and provide dependable rebounding behind Towns.
Defensively, the Knicks must prove they can remain among the league’s elite without Robinson. Anunoby, Bridges and Hart give New York the personnel to pressure opposing offenses, but the team will need to communicate effectively and protect the rim together.
If those pieces come together, the Knicks could finish among the top teams in the East, secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, and return to the Finals. Winning another championship would require plenty to go right, but the foundation is already in place.
Knicks Worst-Case Scenario Outcome
The Knicks’ worst-case scenario is a season in which injuries, defensive inconsistency, and a lack of frontcourt depth derail their championship defense, leaving them with a sub-.500 record and a surprising, early playoff exit.
That outcome would likely begin with injuries to key players.
New York relies heavily on its starting five, and extended absences could expose the team’s lack of depth. A prolonged stretch without Brunson, in particular, would place enormous pressure on the supporting cast to create offense.
Robinson’s departure could also become a major issue if Drummond struggles to provide consistent production. Without a reliable defensive anchor behind Towns, the Knicks could struggle to contain opposing big men and limit second-chance opportunities.
If Towns shoulders too much of the defensive burden, it could also affect his offensive production.
The bench would need to step up, but inconsistent shooting or limited contributions from the reserves could leave the starters carrying too much of the workload. That could become increasingly problematic as the season progresses.
Knicks Biggest Question Heading Into 2026-27
The Knicks’ biggest question heading into the season is whether they can maintain their championship-level defense without Robinson.
Drummond provides rebounding and physicality. That said, replacing Robinson’s rim protection will require the entire roster to make adjustments.
If Towns improves defensively and the Knicks’ wings can disrupt opposing offenses, New York could remain among the league’s top contenders. If not, losing Robinson could become the difference between another championship run and an early playoff exit.
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