Forget the Boston Celtics … the New York Knicks have a big-time Cleveland Cavaliers problem.
If the Knicks want to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025 after falling short last season, they’ll probably have to prove they can compete with the 8-0 Cavaliers.
The Knicks received a ton of buzz this past offseason when they acquired Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. Many feel that New York is the biggest threat to Boston in the East, but those same people have been sleeping on a Cleveland team that looks incredible under new coach Kenny Atkinson.
On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, guest Kirk Goldsberry — formerly a member of the San Antonio Spurs organization — talked about how the Cavaliers could end up as the second-best team in the East.
“I think Cleveland (has) … a chance to upset the Knicks,” Goldsberry said.
“I think they’re a really good two-way team. Jarrett Allen is a monster. Evan Mobley gives you two rim protectors on the court at the same time.”
“If Darius Garland’s as good as this … and Donovan Mitchell’s playing this well, they’re as good as anybody competing for the second spot in the East.”
“And I do believe in Kenny Atkinson. And I do believe that this Cavaliers team might be a surprise two- or three-seed in that Eastern Conference.”
Bill Simmons also chimed in with a point about Cleveland’s roster chemistry as compared with the new-look Knicks.
“(The Cavaliers have) been playing together now for a couple of years … it’s really hard to have any kind of continuity in the NBA anymore.”
More NBA: Knicks ‘in the mix’ to trade for $175 million Bucks superstar, new report says
