NBA Power Rankings: Bucks win Damian Lillard sweepstakes; Training camp begins

CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 26: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks pushes the ball up the court during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

11. New York Knicks

After taking a massive step forward last season, the New York Knicks will be looking to make the jump from trendy dark horse to perennial contender in the Eastern Conference. Though, that won’t be easy. In order to compete with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, the Knicks either need some of their young players to take a big step forward or they’re going to have to pull off a trade for a star.

The interesting part for the Knicks is that both are possible. Whether or not they end up happening this season remains to be seen. However, there is at least a path toward possibly getting there. With the way their roster is currently constructed, though, I think finishing in the top 5 of the East is the most plausible outlook on the season.

But, again, if RJ Barrett is able to take the step toward superstardom, he could completely change the math for the Knicks heading into the start of the season. Can he do that, though?