13. New York Knicks
Even though the New York Knicks had a fairly quiet offseason, I do believe that we’re going to see a team that is ready to take another step forward in their progression. Will that result in a better season? Who knows. But the Knicks are a deeper team heading into 2023-24 and their young players should continue to make strides in their individual development. They may not be considered a championship contender but this is clearly a team on the come-up. New York is a star player away from reaching the top tier of the Eastern Conference.
Will that star player be acquired in-season? That is unlikely, but the threat of the Knicks is very much present. New York has the flexibility where they can continue to be patient in finding the right big move, while also still being competitive this season. I’m not sure the last time we said that about this franchise.
If Jalen Brunson can continue to be the star that he was last season and the likes of RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley can all continue to get better, the Knicks are destined to improve.