The Knicks Have made it FAR in the last couple of Years, but now in the time to step up and go further…

“I think that the Knicks have the tools to win the finals this year. With an elite starting lineup and a solid bench we are the obvious front runners in the East. The real challenge will be facing one of the contenders in the West. The Nuggets or the Thunder are teams that can be a serious challenge if the Knicks end up making it to the finals. I truly believe though if the Knicks are going to win a ring it would be this season.”
— @roboknowsball (https://x.com/RoboKnowsBall)

That’s not blind optimism. That’s a realistic, confident take — and the more you dig into the Knicks’ roster, strategy, and recent moves, the more you can see why someone like @roboknowsball is making this claim. Let me break down his thesis — and why, for the first time in a long time, the Knicks’ Finals dreams might actually be within reach.

1) The Core: Why the Starting 5 Is a Real Threat

Jalen Brunson is the engine. Coming off a season where he proved he can “close,” he’s the playmaker who pressures defenses, creates for others, and keeps the offense humming. He’s the kind of guard who doesn’t need help to make big plays — but when he has shooters around him, he becomes lethal.

Then you’ve got Karl-Anthony Towns, a rare big who can stretch the floor and punish defenses from deep. According to Knicks coverage, they’re using Towns in a way that leverages his shooting and size — much more like a power forward than a traditional center. That allows New York to get creative on offense, punish mismatches, and keep their spacing clean — which is essential in the playoffs when half-court execution matters.

On the wing, they’re strong — Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby offer a two-way foundation: defense, length, and enough scoring to matter in big moments. (Per NBA.com’s 2025-26 season preview.) Their presence gives the Knicks the flexibility to guard elite wings and switch, while also contributing reliable offense when called upon.

Finally, anchoring the defense and the paint is Mitchell Robinson, a rim protector whose mobility and effort are foundational. In his healthy moments, Robinson changes shots, rotates, and gives the Knicks a chance to anchor lineups against elite bigs.

Put together, Brunson, Towns, Bridges, Anunoby, and Robinson form a starting five that’s modern, versatile, and dangerous. It’s not built purely on star power — it’s built around smart construction, switching, spacing, and two-way play.

2) The Bench: Solid and Strategically Built

One of @roboknowsball’s biggest strengths in this take is that he doesn’t just praise the starters — he points out a “solid bench,” and he’s right.

The Knicks offseason addressed one of their clearest weaknesses: depth. According to recent previews, they added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, two players who bring scoring, size, and veteran savvy to the second unit. Clarkson, in particular, gives New York a reliable shot creator off the bench — someone who can take over when Brunson rests, or provide urgency when the game is tight.

Then there’s Tyler Kolek, a young point guard who offers playmaking upside, and Ariel Hukporti, a long, switchy big who can defend and run. These are the types of pieces that feel under-the-radar now, but could make huge contributions in high-leverage playoff series.

Don’t forget Josh Hart, either. He’s still one of the Knicks’ glue guys — rebounding, defending, making hustle plays, and injecting energy when it’s needed the most. According to roster breakdowns, Hart remains a key piece for his length and ability to impact second-unit defense.

So yeah, the bench isn’t loaded up with megastars, but it’s intentionally constructed. When the starters close games, this bench can hold leads, generate offense, and match up against other deep teams. That is exactly what a Finals-level roster needs.

3) Coaching: A New Voice, A Better System

This season brings a fresh voice to New York: Mike Brown is reportedly in charge. Brown has a long track record of adjusting to roster strengths, building strong defensive systems, and getting the most out of his role players.

Brown’s defensive mindset + the Knicks’ two-way core = something scary for opposing teams. Imagine Brunson running sets, Bridges and Anunoby switching on bigs, and Robinson protecting the rim. That’s a Finals-caliber identity.

Plus, Brown’s history suggests he can trust his bench. With veterans like Clarkson and Yabusele, plus young wings, he has both the tools and the flexibility to rotate effectively. That means fewer gassed starters, more fresh legs late in games, and more strategic matchups in postseason play.

4) The East Picture: Why the Knicks Are the Front-Runners

According to @roboknowsball, New York is “obvious front-runner in the East.” And I totally get that. Let’s break down why:

1. Star + Versatility: Brunson, Towns, Bridges, and Anunoby all offer two-way upside — not just scoring, but defense, creation, and switchability.
2. Improving Depth: With Clarkson, Kolek, and Hukporti stepping up, the Knicks’ bench feels more reliable than prior seasons.
3. Coaching Upgrade: Mike Brown is a smart hire for a team that wants to compete now and not just rebuild.
4. Motivation + Culture: After recent playoff success (like their deep 2025 run), the core has that taste of “almost there,” and it fuels every bit of the offseason.

If the Knicks stay healthy, their mix of star power, defensive identity, and offensive structure makes them uniquely positioned to win the East this year. That alone backs up @roboknowsball’s belief.

5) The Real Challenge: Beating the West (and Why It Matters)

Here’s where @roboknowsball’s caveat comes into play: yes, the Knicks can win a title… but the true test might be in the Finals, especially if they face a Western juggernaut.

He calls out two teams: the Nuggets and the Thunder. Smart pick.

• The Denver Nuggets bring elite half-court offense, size, and Jokić-led playmaking. In a seven-game Finals, matching Denver’s creativity and spacing is a massive ask.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder are younger, faster, and their two-way depth is scary. If the Knicks can’t match their pace or defend the rim, OKC could be a nightmare match-up.

So for New York to actually win it all, they need:

1. Brunson to keep controlling the possession and late-game execution.
2. Towns to punish mismatches and hit big shots.
3. Their wings (Bridges and Anunoby) to lock down elite perimeter scorers.
4. Bench scorers (Clarkson, Hart) to deliver in high-pressure moments.
5. Mike Brown to orchestrate rotations, get creative in adjustments, and keep the team fresh.

If they nail all those pieces, Knicks fans might not just be dreaming — they might be legit.

6) Risks & What Could Go Wrong

Of course, no Finals run is guaranteed. Here are some risks:

• Injury risk: Towns, Bridges, and Hart have had injury red flags before. If any core piece goes down, the depth could falter.
• Bench inconsistency: While the bench is stronger than before, Clarkson and others will need to deliver against top-tier playoff teams.
• Matchup nightmares: Against a team like Denver or OKC, the Knicks might struggle defending big playmakers or rim attackers.
• Coaching pressure: Mike Brown will be under fire if his schemes don’t hold up in big moments.

But here’s the thing: every title contender has risks. The Knicks’ upside — if everything goes right — is as high as any team in the East.

7) My Verdict: Yes — This Could Be Their Championship Season

Putting together what @roboknowsball said, plus how I see their roster, coaching, and depth aligning, I agree with him: this is the Knicks’ best shot in years. The pieces are there. The culture is hungry. The roster is diverse and battle-tested.

If they run it back with health, Brown unlocks his rotations, and their core shows up when it matters… Knicks fans might just get what they’ve been waiting for.

This isn’t a hail-Mary. It’s a calculated, very real shot at the Finals.