NBA Pretender or Contender: Bucks look legit; Celtics, Grizzlies fading?

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have had a great season and, at least in my opinion, there’s nothing that can happen in the postseason to change their tune and momentum heading into the offseason. But there are several reasons why the Knicks are likely headed toward a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

For one, the Cavs have a higher ceiling with a better No. 1 star. And secondly, there’s a good chance that they’re either going to be without Julius Randle for the start of the playoffs or he’s going to be a lesser version of himself. And considering how good he has been for the team this season, that’s not going to help them at all against the heavy-hitting Cavs. For the sake of this exercise, the Knicks are a pretender.

Let’s not get it twisted; the Knicks should not be slighted by being labeled as a pretender. This is not an insult to this team by any means. The season that New York has had is nothing short of tremendous and a clear positive step in the right direction. But this team is still a year or two away, but they’re absolutely on the right track.

Verdict: Pretender