New York Knicks Named East’s Team to Beat by 2016 Champion Amid Resilience Praise
NEW YORK — As the NBA gears up for the stretch run of the 2025-26 season following the 2026 All-Star Weekend, former champion Iman Shumpert has thrown his support behind the New York Knicks as the team most likely to dominate the Eastern Conference. Shumpert, a key member of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship squad and a former Knicks player, highlighted the team's resilience and unity during a recent appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter. With 27 games remaining in their regular-season schedule, the Knicks are poised to build on last year's Eastern Conference finals appearance, despite facing some early-season hurdles.
Shumpert's endorsement came on Monday's episode of SportsCenter, where he addressed the Knicks' potential amid ongoing discussions about contenders in the East. "When we’re talking about winning right now, I gotta say the Knicks," Shumpert said. He acknowledged potential skepticism due to his history with the franchise, adding, "This is the Knicks’ year, I know people are gonna say, because I’m a Knicks guy."
Elaborating on what sets the Knicks apart, Shumpert pointed to their ability to overcome adversity. "There’s been times that we’ve doubted the New York Knicks and seen their resilience," he noted. "They figure out ways to win. Down the stretch, they play together, they buy in." His comments underscore a narrative of collective effort, which has been a hallmark of the Knicks' play this season, even as they've navigated injuries and inconsistencies.
The Knicks enter the second half of the season with momentum from their deep playoff run in 2024-25, where they advanced to the conference finals for the first time in over two decades. That success raised expectations heading into 2025-26, but the team has experienced a mixed bag of results so far. According to reports, early struggles included defensive lapses and offensive droughts, yet the Knicks have shown a knack for rallying, winning several close games that tested their depth.
One factor potentially fueling this turnaround is the Knicks' activity at the trade deadline. In a move to bolster their frontcourt, New York acquired 22-year-old forward Jeremy Sochan, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, after the San Antonio Spurs waived him. Sochan, a 6-foot-8 versatile defender, brings physicality and tenacity to a Knicks squad already known for its grit under coach Tom Thibodeau.
During All-Star Weekend media sessions in San Francisco, Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson expressed enthusiasm about the addition. "I’m excited to see" Sochan in action, Brunson said, praising the young forward's defensive prowess. While Sochan isn't regarded as an elite offensive talent, his ability to guard multiple positions and provide rebounding could address some of the team's vulnerabilities exposed earlier in the season.
Sochan's integration into the Knicks' system is expected to happen quickly, with reports indicating he could make his debut as early as Thursday when New York hosts the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. The game marks the resumption of the regular season after the All-Star break, and it presents an opportunity for the Knicks to test their revamped lineup against a rebuilding Pistons team that has shown flashes of improvement but remains in the lottery conversation.
Shumpert's praise aligns with broader sentiments around the league about the Knicks' potential. Analysts have noted that New York's core, led by Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Julius Randle, has gelled effectively, particularly in high-stakes situations. Last season's conference finals berth came despite significant injuries, including to key players like Randle and Mitchell Robinson, which forced the team to adapt on the fly—a resilience Shumpert specifically commended.
However, not all observers are as bullish. Some pundits have pointed to the Knicks' middling record midway through the season, hovering around .500 in the East, as a sign of vulnerability. According to ESPN metrics, New York's net rating has fluctuated, with strong defensive showings offset by inconsistent shooting from beyond the arc. Still, the acquisition of Sochan is seen by many as a low-risk, high-reward move that could solidify their rotation for the playoffs.
The trade deadline shuffle extended beyond Sochan, as several players across the league were waived or bought out in search of better opportunities. For the Knicks, this influx of talent comes at a critical juncture, with the postseason less than two months away. Thibodeau, known for his demanding practices, is reportedly already incorporating Sochan into team drills, emphasizing defensive schemes where the forward can shine.
Looking back, the Knicks' journey this season mirrors their historical underdog status in New York sports. Madison Square Garden has long been a cauldron of expectation, and the fanbase has rewarded the team's effort with sold-out crowds and fervent support. Shumpert, who played for the Knicks from 2011 to 2015, understands this dynamic intimately, having experienced both the highs of playoff pushes and the frustrations of rebuilding years.
As the Knicks prepare for their Thursday matchup, all eyes will be on how quickly Sochan meshes with Brunson and the rest of the starters. Brunson's leadership on the court, combined with his off-court comments, suggests a welcoming environment for the newcomer. "He provides toughness and grit on the defensive end," Brunson added during the All-Star media availability, hinting at Sochan's role in elevating the team's intensity.
Beyond the immediate game, Shumpert's endorsement carries weight in a conference stacked with contenders like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks' path to the top seed or a favorable playoff position will depend on stringing together wins in the coming weeks, a challenge they've met before through sheer determination.
In the larger NBA landscape, the post-All-Star period often separates pretenders from contenders, and the Knicks appear intent on proving they're in the latter category. With Shumpert's vote of confidence and strategic roster tweaks, New York is positioning itself as a legitimate threat—not just to win the East, but to finally capture that elusive championship banner hanging in the Garden.
The Knicks' next steps will unfold starting Thursday night, where a strong performance against Detroit could validate the optimism surrounding the team. As Shumpert put it, their ability to "play together" and "buy in" may just be the edge needed to turn doubters into believers once again.