The New York Knicks surprised many last season by finishing with the 5th best record in the eastern conference and making it all the way to a very competitive second round series. Expectations have now risen quite a bit since last season and the Knicks are certainly expected to compete for home court advantage in the first round. The Knicks, however, have a chance to make it even further than that if everything runs according to plan.

Jalen Brunson surprised many last season with his exceptional play. Brunson, at the time of his signing, was viewed as overpaid. Now he is one of the biggest bargains in the entire NBA. Brunson led his team to a record of 47-35 and was one of the best playoff players in the whole league. Julius Randle is also coming off of a season in which he finished on the All NBA 3rd team. If everything goes right for these two players, especially come playoff time, the Knicks are a threat to look out for in the east.

Not only are the star players a factor for the Knicks, but so are the plethora of young talent that surrounds this roster. Having a year improved of guys like Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, and RJ Barrett will help improve this team even more. Dante Divincenzo was also a solid addition to this roster as it helped the Knicks with what they struggled the most at during the playoffs; three point shooting. This Knicks team is set up very similarly to the Heat team that made the finals last season. Having two all star caliber players in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as well as a sea of role players that could step up at any time like Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin, and Kyle Lowry is exactly the same set up the Knicks have. The Heat proved that this recipe for success works and if the Knicks role players can step up the way the Heat’s players did then the Knicks certainly have a chance at surprising people and sneaking their way into the finals.