Knicks or Nothing: Predicting New York’s 2025-26 Run

The East is wide open, the roster is revamped, and our predictions explain why the Knicks might finally have their shot to shut down the city.

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks PG

New York, this is it. After last year’s Eastern Conference Finals run, a rollercoaster ride that ultimately ended too soon, the Knicks head into the 2025-26 season armed with new faces, a new coach, and sky-high expectations.

The East is wide open. Injuries have unfortunately taken out big stars like Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard. The Celtics have lost numerous core pieces, and the Pacers’ rise has taken an unlucky hit. That being said, Cleveland might be the only legitimate “top dog” left standing on their toes. This means one thing and one thing only…

The Knicks’ window is open right now.

Our beloved KnicksNation founder, Anthony Isaacs, summed it up best: “Anything short of another ECF is a massive disappointment … Get to the Finals.” He is not wrong, and I’ll get to his full take later. But, here’s how I see this season panning out for the orange and blue.

Projected Record and Seed: Top of the East?

Personally, I predict the Knicks will finish with a 57-25 record, which is pretty solid for the second or third seed. I can even see them maybe almost fighting Cleveland for the first seed depending on the team’s health and chemistry.

It’s no secret that the East has weakened dramatically and immensely. Boston has been gutted like none other, Indiana lost their superstar, and Milwaukee’s title window is currently amidst clouds. This is as good an opportunity as the Knicks have had in 25 years to own the conference.

Strengths: Bench Depth and Mike Brown’s System

The last two seasons, New York’s biggest Achilles’ heel was their lack of bench scoring. When starters sat, the offense scattered in a mess often. That issue has been fixed.

Now, the Knicks have one of the strongest benches in the league. Between Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Guerschon Yabusele, there is actual firepower and versatility in New York’s pockets. Add in the hustle, initiative, and defense from Josh Hart, plus the hard work and shooting insurance of Landry Shamet, and suddenly you have depth that can bring their playoff games to another level.

This is the first time in years where the Knicks can confidently go nine or ten deep without losing their culture and identity. The second unit will actually be able to add points rather than having  the lead bleed.

On top of that, Mike Brown brings in a system that should emphasize ball movement, spacing, and cutting. This is a far cry from former Coach Tom Thibodeau’s heavy iso diet. We should hopefully expect more plays being drawn up to maximize Brunson’s passing, more off-ball activity from wings like OG Anunoby, and more unpredictability in the half-court.

Weaknesses: Rotation, Fit, and Knicks Luck

There remain questions that could shape the season.

Rotation Consistency: Will Brown commit to a set crew or keep experiencing? Expanding the rotation sounds good in theory, but too much unpredictability can throw off the squad’s rhythm.

System Fit: Will veterans fully embrace a new scheme, or will the team slip back into iso-heavy habits when games get close?

Knicks’ Luck (Injuries): Even with additional depth, losing a starter at the wrong time could derail everything. The Knicks have felt this sting before.

New Additions and a Re-Sign: Clarkson, Yabusele, Brogdon, Shamet

This is where the Knicks’ ceiling jumps. Let’s break each new addition down.

Jordan Clarkson

A proven bucket-getter, Clarkson brings down instant offense. He is the type of microwave scorer that the Knicks sorely lacked next to Deuce McBride. Clarkson is someone who can check in and pour in much-needed points in a blink. I, like Anthony, predict he finishes top three in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Guerschon Yabusele

The “Dancing Bear” returns to the NBA after carving out a strong career overseas. At six-foot-eight, he provides strength, size, and stretch ability in the frontcourt. He can back up Karl-Anthony Towns while also spacing the floor. His role may not always show up in box scores, but his physicality will come in handy.

Malcolm Brogdon

Steady, smart, and a veteran leader. Brogdon’s health has been quite spotty, but when he is on the floor, he is one hell of a reliable combo guard. Not only that, but he is also a trusted secondary playmaker, defender, and shooter. So despite him being injury prone, his presence will calm down second unit like no tomorrow.

Landry Shamet (Re-signed)

Here’s where things get interesting. Reports suggest Shamet and Brogdon could be battling for a roster spot. Shamet offers streaky shooting, while Brogdon gives two-way impact and leadership. If Brown leans on spacing, Shamet sticks. If he wants versatility, Brogdon might edge him out.

This roster battle is one to watch closely in training and in pre-season, and whichever way it goes, it will shape the bench’s identity.

Player Predictions: Who Pops, Who Slips?

Breakout Candidate: Josh Hart. I predict Hart has a bounce-back year after last season’s struggles. I believe he’ll be less hesitant to shoot and he’ll remain a monster on the boards. This can cause him to quietly become one of the Knicks’ most important X-factors in the upcoming season. 

Slip and Slide: This might be an unpopular opinion compared to Anthony’s take, but I actually think Mikal Bridges could have a sloppy season for the Knicks. I hope to be proven wrong, but Hart is my pick for the real breakout.

Veteran Bounce-Back: Karl-Anthony Towns. After an inconsistent first year as a Knick in terms of his defense rather than his offense, I expect him to be more aggressive inside while still spacing the floor. I think him overhearing how the team wasn’t happy with his incorrect coverages, his lack of communication, or his stillness will give him motivation to surge his defensive skillset while still maintaining his offensive surepower. And with Brown’s system, KAT could finally nail a balanced role.

Assist Surge: Jalen Brunson. With fewer isolations, Brunson will be able to rack up around 8 assists per game while still giving you 20+ points a night at least.

Rivalries to Watch

Cleveland Cavaliers: The big one. Both teams are hunting for the lead in the East. Expect a dogfight all season.

Detroit Pistons: Young, scrappy, and loaded with talent. They will not be a pushover.

Atlanta Hawks: Yes, I know, I know. But, it’s my surprise pick. They added Nickeil Alexander-Walker, N’Faly Dante, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis. Chemistry is a question, but on paper they look like a team ready to upset higher seeds.

The Celtics? They have lost too much. Tatum’s ACL, Porzingis, Jrue, Kornet, all gone. The Pacers? Haliburton’s ACL, and Myles Turner bolting to Milwaukee. The Bucks? Dame’s ACL leaves them toothless. The path is there.

Big Picture Outlook

Best Case Scenario: Knicks win the East, reach the Finals, and go all the way. Yes, the championship is a real possibility.

Worst Case Scenario: The rotation never clicks, injuries pile up, and they bow out before the Conference Finals. That would be devastating given the current East landscape.

But given the talent, coaching, and weakened competition, this team should at minimum make the ECF. Anything less would feel like a collapse.

My Final Prediction

• Record: 57-25

• Seed: Second or third in East, maybe itching at the first seed if things break right

• Playoffs: At least the ECF

• Breakout Player: Josh Hart

• Veteran Bounce-Back: Karl-Anthony Towns

• Sixth Man Candidate: Jordan Clarkson, just like Anthony

• Outcome: Knicks make the ECF or have a real shot at the Finals against OKC (4-2) similar to Anthony’s take

Anthony Isaacs’ Final Prediction

Here’s how Anthony sees it:

“I have high expectations for the Knicks this season, like all of us should. Coming off that ECF run last year, but falling just short of the Finals, the East is there for the taking. The two top dogs? The Cavs and the Knicks. And while Cleveland’s still trying to get past the second round, I just hope we don’t catch that classic Knicks luck and run into a team that suddenly figures it out in the playoffs.”

“But with Mike Brown at the helm, a newly revamped bench, and a fresh starting lineup, there’s a ton of questions, good ones. How’s Mike Brown gonna handle New York? Does he expand the rotation or keep it tight like Thibs used to? How will the guys vibe with his style? Do one of the sophomores pop? (I hope so).”

“All in all, we’re in for a treat this 2025-26 season. Anything short of another ECF is a massive disappointment in my book, straight up a failure with how weak the East is and with the Knicks’ current roster construction. Yeah, I said it. Get to the Finals. Go somewhere you haven’t been in over 25 years. Shut down the city. Once you’re in the dance, anything’s possible.”

Anthony’s Overall Predictions

• Record: 55-27

• Bridges has a career season

• Brunson posts a career year in assists

• Clarkson finishes top-3 for Sixth Man of the Year

• Knicks reach the NBA Finals but fall to OKC, 4-2

Bottom line

The Knicks have the roster, the coach, and the moment. If there was ever a season to finally crash the Finals and end decades of heartbreak, this is it.