The New York Knicks have been one of the top teams in the league entering 2026. As of writing, they are in the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 22-9 record.
The team has been anchored by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, along with a solid supporting cast such as Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. The Knicks have also found diamonds-in-the-rough early in the season, like Tyler Kolek and Guerschon Yabusele.
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Entering 2026 as one of the top contenders for the title, here are three biggest questions for the Knicks in the upcoming year.
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3 biggest questions for New York Knicks heading into 2026
1.) Can Jalen Brunson carry the team to the promised land?
Jalen Brunson is averaging 29.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season, leading the Knicks to an astounding start to the season. However, there are still concerns about whether Brunson is the right anchor to lead the team to an NBA Finals appearance.
Last year, Brunson lifted the Knicks to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, their first since 2000. The bar is now higher for the Knicks this season, as the East’s race to the finals is seen as wide open.
While this is not a championship-or-bust year yet for the Knicks, there is much pressure for Brunson to lead the team to the promised land.
2.) Can KAT step up as the Brunson’s co-star?
Karl-Anthony Towns has been somewhat inconsistent this season. Currently, he is averaging 21.9 points and 11.8 rebounds per game on 35.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line, his worst since his rookie season.
Towns will enter 2026 with massive expectations as the Knicks are expected to be one of the top teams in the East.
If the Knicks are to make another deep playoff run, Towns must step up his game to aid Brunson, especially in crucial stretches.
3.) Will Mike Brown replicate former head coach Tom Thibodeau’s playoff run last season?
Tom Thibodeau led the Knicks to a deep playoff run last year, before getting fired in the offseason. Mike Brown was then hired to replace him.
Brown, as a head coach, has not won a playoff series since the 2011-2012 season. Facing great expectations in New York, Brown must show that he is a capable winner, especially in the playoffs.
As of now, the Knicks are in a comfortable position. But come playoff time, New York will be expecting a lot from its beloved team.
Edited by Rob Andrew Lo
