New York Knicks: Five things you need to know

• Original NBA franchise with rich history dating back to 1946
• Two NBA championships (1970, 1973) led by legendary players like Willis Reed and Walt Frazier
• Resurgence in the 2020’s, returning to playoffs in 2021 and making the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025.

The New York Knicks are one of the NBA's most iconic franchises, playing in the world's most famous arena and representing basketball's biggest market. As one of the original NBA franchises, the Knicks have competed for around eight decades, taking home two NBA championships in the 1970s. Home to iconic players, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Patrick Ewing, and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks have shown what it means to preserve a culture of must watch basketball across different eras.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 51-31
• Finish: 3rd seed
• All-Star Selections: Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns

The 2024/25 season was a huge success for the New York Knicks, booking their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. On the way to reaching the conference finals, the Knicks were playing a structured brand of basketball that prioritised high quality on both sides of the ball. Ranking top 10 in both offence and defence, the Knicks under Tom Thibodeau have played a well-balanced game that utilises the multi-dimensional skills held within the roster. From Jalen Brunson’s all-round offensive game to Mitchell Robinson’s elite paint protection, the 2025 Knicks proved to be a well-oiled machine that can go toe-to-toe with league heavyweights.

Offseason Moves

Re-signing

• Mikal Bridges agrees to 4-year extension

Additions

• Jordan Clarkson joins on 1-year deal
• Guerschon Yabusele agrees to 2-year deal

The Knicks have had a compelling offseason, looking to preserve the roster that took them to last year's Eastern Conference Finals, but depart from the coach who took them there. The biggest acquisition was incoming coach Mike Brown who was hired in July 2025. It’s clear that the Knicks’ front office believe that the roster they currently have is good enough to make the jump to the NBA Finals. The side’s zero player departures are proving just how invested this Knicks group is in what's brewing on America's east coast and the playing culture it is fostering for players to thrive.

Re-signing Mikal Bridges on a four-year deal was excellent business, securing one of the league's highest quality two-way players long term. What's guaranteed with the re-signing of Mikal Bridges is his availability, his 556 consecutive games played is the highest in the NBA. Bridges has also been a catalyst for the Knicks top 10 ranked defence, along with OG Anunoby who have formed one of the best perimeter defensive units in the league.

Acquiring Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele this offseason were solid moves by the Knicks to round out the roster and add some depth in key positions. Clarkson improves the Knicks’ offensive production from the bench and Yabusele is a strong option at the forward position who can shoot the ball and bring that extra level of physicality to games. The Knicks have completed a talented roster that offers players whose specialties lie on both sides of the ball and can bring essential intangibles to the team in 2025-26.

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

1. Point Guard: Jalen Brunson
2. Shooting Guard: Mikal Bridges
3. Small Forward: OG Anunoby
4. Power Forward: Karl Anthony-Towns
5. Centre:  Mitchell Robinson

Australians who have played for the New York Knicks

Luc Longley: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Longley was the first Australian to play in the NBA. After winning three championships with the Chicago Bulls, he joined the Knicks for the 2000–2001 season. Longley played 25 games for New York, averaging 2.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game before retiring due to injury.

History of the New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are an original franchise of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and are one of two NBA franchises still located in their original city. After the merger in 1949 to form the NBA, the Knicks got off to a red-hot start qualifying for three straight NBA finals throughout the 50s.

The Knicks’ prime era came about in the early 1970s led by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and coached by Red Holzman, the Knicks won their only two championships and epitomised team basketball.

The 1990s were characterised by the work of franchise legend Patrick Ewing. In this era, the Knicks were perennial contenders, reaching two NBA Finals and engaging in fierce rivalries with Michael Jordan's Bulls and Reggie Miller's Pacers.

In the 2010s, a Carmelo Anthony-led Knicks had several successful seasons, including a 54-win campaign in 2012-13. Along with moves to bring in Tyson Chandler, J.R Smith and Amar’e Stoudemire to New York, this period of Knicks basketball proved one of the most exciting in the franchise's history.

The 2020s have brought about a new life for the New York Knicks, with their slow resurgence eventually bringing them back to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025. Led by Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns, the Knicks have re-energised one of the most passionate franchises in the league and have set a goal of reaching the NBA finals under new head coach Mike Brown.

Identity

The Knicks have one of the NBA's most passionate and demanding fanbases. Playing in New York brings immense pressure and scrutiny, but also the opportunity for players to become legendary figures in the sport's biggest market.

The Knicks have traditionally emphasised tough, physical defence and a methodical offensive approach. Under Tom Thibodeau, they've returned to those roots with an emphasis on effort and accountability. Now under the guidance of coach Mike Brown, expect the team to utilise more ball movement, turn up the pace and consider going into a zone defence on more occasions. Offensively, they rely heavily on point guard Jalen Brunson and three-point shooting big Karl Anthony-Towns to create scoring opportunities.

Five Fast Facts

1. The Knicks were one of the founding members of the Basketball Association of America in 1946, which later became the NBA.
2. New York has retired nine jersey numbers, including those of Patrick Ewing (#33) and Walt Frazier (#10).
3. The team's name comes from the term "knickerbocker," a reference to the style of pants worn by early Dutch settlers of New York.
4. The Knicks' 54 wins in 2012-13 are their most in a single season since 1996-97.
5. Julius Randle became the first Knick to win the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2021.

Club timeline

• 1946: Knicks founded as original BAA/NBA franchise
• 1970: Win first NBA championship
• 1973: Capture second NBA title
• 1985: Win first NBA draft lottery, select Patrick Ewing
• 1994: Reach NBA Finals, lose to Houston Rockets
• 1999: Return to NBA Finals as 8th seed, fall to San Antonio Spurs
• 2013: Win first division title in 19 years
• 2021: Return to playoffs after 8-year drought
• 2023: Win first playoff series in 10 years
• 2025: Return to the Eastern Conference Finals

After returning to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025, the Knicks are aiming huge in 2026, lining up a trip to the NBA Finals. Making a bold call to move on from Tom Thibodeau and bring in Mike Brown, signals the franchise’s belief that now is the time to fully commit to an NBA title with a coach who's triumphed on four occasions. Preserving last year’s core group of players and improving their second unit with Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, the Knicks are equipped to take out the East in a year where the Pacers look likely to falter.