Carmelo Anthony believes his former team will dominate the Eastern Conference.
After the New York Knicks had a fantastic debut win over the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 113-104, the Hall of Famer felt that it was going to be their year, based on his assessment of their preseason performance.
Brunson led New York by dropping 14 points and two assists, while OG Anunoby contributed 13 points and two boards, both of whom played 17 minutes.
New York Knicks 2025-2026 season
Anthony noted that the Knicks have experienced many setbacks over the past three or four years, despite already acquiring the key players needed to win games in the regular season and playoffs.
“They’ve been primed for this position for the past three, four years. They have everything that you could possibly need a winning formula,” Anthony said via NBC Sports host Maria Taylor. “They have the players, have the point guard. We have the best big man shooter, possibly in the history of basketball [Karl-Anthony Towns]. We have Jalen Brunson out there, who’s running the point.”
The New York legend often applauded Jalen Brunson for his play style and leadership, but he said that it would be different this time, as they acquired Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon, who balance the starters and bench.
“I think, this year, with [head coach] Mike Brown, putting Jalen Brunson, allowing him to play off the ball, along with Jordan Clarkson coming in the game, Malcolm Brogdon, who gives us a shot in the arm off the bench … [Brown’s] bringing a different energy,” Anthony continued. “I watch them in preseason. I see the fast pace that they playing with, I see the system that they playing with. I just believe that Knicks would be the number one seed, and I’ve just dropped the microphone.”
Nonetheless, the 10-time NBA All-Star has stated that the Knicks have a revamped roster and enough experience from the previous season, following their fall short against the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 postseason.
The franchise has also obtained two Sixth Man of the Year winners, Clarkson and Brogdon, bringing depth off the bench, which showed lapses during last year’s stint.
