Power Ranking 8 teams under more or less pressure than the Miami Heat to win a championship
By Brennan Sims
5. New York Knicks
38-27
4.3 NetRtg
The Knicks are another team plagued by injuries. However, things are returning to form, as OG Anunoby returned last night after missing 18 games.
New York will have to accomplish its goals without bully-ball forward Julius Randle, who has been out of the lineup since January 27th. Randle has been far from an impact player in the playoffs, but a player of his magnitude will always demand defensive attention.
Jalen Brunson, who should be an All-NBA lock, took advantage of Randle's attention last postseason. We Heat fans know all too well. He dashed and darted to the rim, averaging 31 points on 63 TS%. He was 2018 LeBron against the Warriors. But he has help now.
The additions of Bojan Bogdonavic and Alec Burks showed the Knicks are serious about competing this year. Grabbing those floor spacers would have aided Randle in the playoffs, as he'd have more room to operate. If he can't return by April due to his dislocated shoulder, the Knicks' chances to advance far in the tournament diminish significantly. Brunson could go Super Saiyan again, but that's a lot to ask.