The Most Anticipated Knicks Season: A Glimpse into 2025 NBA Finals Hopes

 

The New York Knicks are entering what might be their most highly anticipated season in recent memory. While teams of the past have garnered attention, few have generated expectations like this 2024–2025 squad. With the Knicks poised to be contenders for the Eastern Conference Championship and potentially a spot in the NBA Finals, there’s an undeniable buzz surrounding this franchise.

Years of Smart Moves Leading to Championship Contention

The Knicks have spent the past few seasons making a series of intelligent roster moves. Central to this strategy was recognizing the value of Jalen Brunson, a player many doubted when he was signed to a large contract. However, Brunson has proved critics wrong and become one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league. Brunson’s leadership on the court has provided a solid foundation for the Knicks, and his role as the team’s engine cannot be understated.

In addition to Brunson, the Knicks traded for versatile players like Josh Hart and OG Anunoby while signing Dante DiVincenzo. Each of these players has contributed to creating a well-rounded, modern NBA team. This off-season, the Knicks further solidified their championship intentions by making a blockbuster move for Mikal Bridges, a player known for his shooting, size, and skill.

Despite this strong foundation, the Knicks are not without their weaknesses. If they are to compete seriously with powerhouses like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, there are issues that must be addressed before the season fully unfolds.

The Center Problem

The Knicks’ most glaring issue is at the center position, which has been significantly weakened following the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein in the off-season. With Mitchell Robinson frequently injured and no full-time five-man on the roster, the Knicks face a serious size disadvantage in a league that increasingly emphasizes the importance of big men.

Isaiah Hartenstein was a crucial player for the Knicks last season, stepping up when Robinson was sidelined with injuries. Not only was he one of the league’s best rebounders, but he also brought a defensive toughness that allowed the Knicks to stay competitive in the paint. Unfortunately for the Knicks, Hartenstein was lured away by an irresistible offer from the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving a massive gap in New York’s center rotation.

Now, with Robinson once again dealing with injuries, the Knicks are left with no starting-caliber center as they head into the new season. Robinson’s rim protection will be invaluable if he can return healthy, but the reality is that the Knicks will have to address this position if they want to remain competitive—especially in the playoffs.

Julius Randle’s Role: A Blessing or a Problem?

Julius Randle is one of the most talented players on the Knicks roster, and yet, his role in this version of the team remains uncertain. While Randle has had All-NBA caliber seasons, the addition of Mikal Bridges and the team’s emphasis on wing depth raise questions about how Randle fits into their long-term plans. The Knicks now have a versatile set of wings, including OG Anunoby, Dante DiVincenzo, and Hart, who can all play multiple positions. With so many talented players in similar roles, Randle may find himself squeezed out of the rotation at times.

Randle is undoubtedly a key asset to the Knicks, but figuring out how to best utilize him could be a challenge. One solution that has been floated is the idea of playing Julius Randle at the center position. This would allow the Knicks to maintain their offensive firepower while covering their deficiency in the middle. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has traditionally been resistant to playing smaller lineups, particularly when it comes to deploying Randle at the five. However, Thibodeau recently admitted that he likes the idea of using Randle as a small-ball center, given the current Knicks roster.

A New Tactical Approach: Randle at the Five

If Randle were to play as a center, the Knicks could field a potent lineup of Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, and Hart around him, creating an almost unstoppable offensive unit. Randle’s ability to score in the post and his improved passing skills would make him a dynamic offensive threat. The key to making this lineup work, however, would be rebounding and defensive rotations, particularly when up against bigger teams like the Celtics and the Sixers.

Interestingly, OG Anunoby, who rebounds well for his position and can guard bigger players, would allow the Knicks to mask Randle’s defensive shortcomings. This would allow the team to maximize their offensive flexibility while still maintaining some level of defensive integrity. If the Knicks can find the right balance, this could be a deadly option for them to deploy in the postseason.

Trade Possibilities: Julius Randle for a Center?

Despite the potential upside of playing Randle at the five, there are concerns about whether this strategy will work in the long term. If the Knicks struggle to find consistency with this approach or if Robinson’s health continues to be an issue, it is possible that the Knicks could consider moving Randle at the trade deadline for a more traditional center. Randle has a player option to become a free agent in 2025, which adds another layer of complexity to his situation.

One name that has consistently come up in trade rumors involving the Knicks is Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns has been linked to New York in the past and would be a natural fit alongside Brunson and the Knicks’ wings. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor and his size would make him an ideal candidate to solve New York’s center woes. Additionally, Towns could form a formidable frontcourt with Mitchell Robinson once Robinson returns to full health.

However, it remains to be seen whether Minnesota would be willing to part with Towns. The Timberwolves had some playoff success last season, and it would likely take a significant offer to pry Towns away. A three-team trade involving other assets might be the only viable path to acquiring him.

Looking Ahead: High Expectations, High Pressure

As the Knicks prepare for the 2024–2025 NBA season, they face both excitement and uncertainty. On the one hand, they have built a roster filled with talent, versatility, and depth. On the other hand, key questions about the center position and Julius Randle’s role loom large. The stakes have never been higher for the Knicks, and in a city where basketball expectations are sky-high, anything less than a deep playoff run will be seen as a failure.

Whether the Knicks will trade Randle, make another blockbuster move, or find creative solutions within their current roster, one thing is certain: this season promises to be one of the most intriguing in franchise history. Knicks fans and NBA observers alike will be watching closely to see how this all unfolds. Will the Knicks finally return to the NBA Finals after decades of anticipation? Only time will tell.