NBA Power Rankings: Here experts rate the Knicks at the start of the season

The New York Knicks are back!

The 2024-25 NBA season begins Tuesday when the Knicks visit the reigning champion Boston Celtics in a battle between two teams many believe will top the East.

The Knicks enter this season with the highest expectations in decades. The Knicks have drastically reshaped their roster over the last 10 months and now hope to compete for a championship.

Of course, their two biggest moves over the summer were the additions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, which gave the Knicks more perimeter defense (in Bridges) and a lot more offensive firepower from the middle.

As a result, the NBA world largely views the Knicks as one of the five best teams in the league. We examined several experts’ NBA power rankings to get a feel for where the Knicks land.

NBA Power Rankings: Where the Knicks Stand at the Start of the Season

John Schuhmann, NBA.com: Third

“The Towns trade left the Knicks a little thin (and small) on the wings, and the injuries left them thin up front. It’s probably not yet time for Josh Hart to play 48 minutes a night, so some inexperienced players will have to be thrown into the fire and the Knicks may not have the rebounding advantage they’ve had in the past.

ESPN: Third

“The club’s offense, which faltered at times last season as teams tried to contain Brunson, should be bolstered this season by the high-profile addition of Karl-Anthony Towns.”

Jeff Zilgitt, USA Today: Fifth

“Is the starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns enough to topple Boston in the East?”

Andy Bailey, Bleacher Report: Sixth

“Depth is a real issue for the New York Knicks now, but after trading for Towns, they have one of the best starting fives in the league.”

The Wrestler: Fifth

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