The Knicks have a serious problem waiting on banner night
· Yahoo Sports
The Knicks will get their banner on Oct. 20. Then they have to play Philadelphia.
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That opening-night opponent looks nothing like a routine early-season date. The 76ers added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a group that already has Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. New York gets to celebrate its first title since 1973 in front of its own fans, with a redesigned rival waiting for the first possession.
The Knicks’ old Philadelphia scouting report is gone
Brown arrived in a trade from Boston. James signed with the Sixers after his time with the Lakers. Neither move guarantees Philadelphia a title, and Embiid’s health remains a question every season. But the talent is plain enough. Brown gives them another strong wing scorer, while James can still dictate where a defense has to help.
The Knicks have OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges for those assignments. Jalen Brunson will still have to create offense against a team that can put size on the floor and make New York guard several threats in the same lineup. For a banner-night game, that is a substantial test of how the champions plan to defend their title.
New York’s own roster is mostly intact. Mitchell Robinson is gone, with Andre Drummond taking a frontcourt role. The center change is worth watching when Embiid is on the other side, although one October game will not answer every question about it.
Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectBanner night is a real game, too
Philadelphia finished 45-37 last season and lost in the conference semifinals. The Sixers responded with the loudest roster moves in the division. The Knicks finished 53-29 and won the championship. Both records are history once the ball goes up at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m.
Fans should enjoy the ceremony. They waited long enough for it. Then New York has to get organized against Brown and James. That first game will tell us more about the new rivalry than another month of summer predictions.
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