Why the New York Knicks Were Disrespected in the Latest Eastern Conference Rankings Despite Rising as Legitimate Contenders
The New York Knicks, one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, once again find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to national recognition and media projections. Despite a promising 2024-25 campaign, strong offseason acquisitions, and a cohesive core, the Knicks were inexplicably disrespected in the latest Eastern Conference power rankings. Analysts continue to praise teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat, while overlooking a Knicks squad that has done more than enough to be in the conversation as a legitimate threat in the East.
This snub not only shows the ongoing media bias against the Knicks but also disregards the actual trajectory and competitiveness of this roster. New York finished last season with a top-five record in the East, and their playoff performance—although cut short due to key injuries—showed the grit, depth, and coaching stability that most franchises envy. For years, the Knicks were a punchline, a franchise lost in the wilderness. Now that they’ve found an identity and are built for sustained success, why are they still not being taken seriously?
Let’s examine the reasons behind the Knicks’ omission from the top tier of the Eastern Conference rankings, break down the current state of the roster, and explore why New York might be the most underrated contender heading into the 2025 season.
The Knicks have something few teams can claim: continuity. Jalen Brunson has emerged as a legitimate All-NBA talent, bringing scoring, leadership, and elite decision-making to the floor every night. His playoff performances over the past two seasons have erased any doubts about his status among the league’s elite guards. More importantly, Brunson has become the engine of Tom Thibodeau’s offense—capable of both carrying the team in clutch moments and facilitating ball movement.
Julius Randle, though a polarizing figure among fans, continues to put up All-Star level production. When healthy, he gives the Knicks a bruising inside presence and a capable secondary playmaker. Randle’s effort on defense, while inconsistent at times, has improved under Thibodeau’s system.
Add to that RJ Barrett, who has grown steadily into a reliable two-way wing. Barrett may not get the national headlines, but he’s an important piece for New York—capable of defending opposing stars and providing slashing and perimeter shooting. With three proven scorers and a defensive-minded system, the Knicks have already built a framework for consistent success.
And then there’s the depth: Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Quentin Grimes have all played significant roles in shaping this team’s defensive identity and overall toughness. The Knicks are built not just for the regular season, but for the playoffs, where versatility and physicality often dictate outcomes.
One of the biggest reasons the Knicks didn’t advance deeper in the 2024 playoffs was injury. Mitchell Robinson missed significant time, and Julius Randle wasn’t at full strength. These injuries not only hurt their defense and rebounding but also disrupted the offensive flow. Despite these setbacks, the Knicks pushed their playoff opponent to the brink and showed resilience that should’ve been a sign of things to come.
Analysts who cite last season’s playoff result as a reason to downplay New York’s chances are ignoring the context. A healthy Knicks team might have been in the Conference Finals or beyond. Given that, it’s baffling to see them ranked behind teams that haven’t proven anything in the playoffs, like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Atlanta Hawks.
While other teams made splashy moves, the Knicks focused on chemistry and stability. They didn’t need to blow up their roster or chase big names. Instead, they refined their depth, added another sharpshooter, and committed to internal growth.
The addition of Mikal Bridges—hypothetically, if the Knicks pull off a trade with the Nets—would change the narrative entirely. A 3-and-D wing with high character and a winner’s mentality, Bridges would slot perfectly into Thibodeau’s system. Even without him, the Knicks boast a top-tier perimeter defense thanks to Hart, DiVincenzo, and Grimes.
This front office, led by Leon Rose, has taken a disciplined approach—building through smart drafting, player development, and strategic trades. This is not the erratic, star-chasing Knicks of the past. This version of New York has an identity and direction, something many franchises still lack.
There’s no denying that historical narratives play a role in media rankings. For decades, the Knicks have been ridiculed for poor management, underperformance, and drama. That reputation doesn’t disappear overnight, even if the reality on the ground has changed.
There’s also a coastal bias in NBA media, where teams like the Celtics, 76ers, and Heat—longtime darlings of national broadcasters—receive the benefit of the doubt. Every season, Boston is penciled in as a favorite, even if they fall short. Miami, while deserving of praise for its culture, has gotten more hype off potential than performance in recent years. The Knicks, meanwhile, have outperformed expectations consistently for two years and still find themselves overlooked.
This bias is evident in how analysts react to the same performances. A gritty win by the Knicks is described as “ugly” or “scrappy,” while similar efforts from Boston or Milwaukee are hailed as signs of championship DNA. It’s a double standard that continues to frustrate fans and players alike.
Tom Thibodeau remains one of the most divisive coaches in the NBA, but what can’t be questioned is his ability to build culture and instill discipline. Under his leadership, the Knicks have ranked near the top of the league in defensive efficiency and rebounding. The team’s effort level is never in question, and Thibodeau’s system has maximized the talent available.
Critics point to his stubbornness with rotations or his tendency to overplay veterans, but his track record speaks for itself. The Knicks are a top-6 playoff seed every season he’s coached them, and their defense consistently travels in the postseason. Thibodeau isn’t the flashiest coach, but he’s exactly what this team needs.
Yes, the East is loaded. The Celtics are arguably the most complete team in the league. The Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, remain a threat. The 76ers, assuming Joel Embiid is healthy, will always be dangerous. But after that? It’s wide open.
Miami is aging and inconsistent. Cleveland hasn’t figured out how to win when it matters. Atlanta is in flux. Indiana is intriguing but unproven. In that second tier, the Knicks should be at the very top.
They have the mix of star power, depth, coaching, and chemistry that wins in May and June. Their ceiling is higher than people realize, and their floor is rock solid. That’s a rare combination in a league where many teams are one injury or chemistry issue away from collapsing.
If you ask the Knicks themselves, they don’t care about rankings. Jalen Brunson has often said that the only opinions that matter are in the locker room. The team has bought into a collective mindset, one that doesn’t need media validation to stay motivated.
But make no mistake: this snub will fuel them. A team that already plays with a chip on its shoulder now has even more reason to prove people wrong. The Garden will be electric. The fans—long suffering but always loyal—can sense something brewing. And the players know that the only way to change the narrative is to keep winning.
Leaving the Knicks out of the top Eastern Conference teams in any ranking is more than just an oversight—it’s a dismissal of everything they’ve accomplished over the last two seasons. It’s ignoring the rise of Jalen Brunson, the leadership of Tom Thibodeau, and the steady progression of a roster built the right way.
As the 2025 season tips off, don’t be surprised when the Knicks make noise. They might not have the headlines now, but they’ll have the last word when it counts. The media can keep sleeping. The Knicks are wide awake—and ready to climb.
