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Knicks Chasing One Team in Eastern Conference Power Rankings

The New York Knicks are among the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Jeremy Brener

Apr 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Knicks are making moves to become the Eastern Conference's best team, something they haven't been able to say since 1999.

However, they may be closer than they have ever been in 25 years after finishing No. 2 in the Eastern Conference standings this past season and coming within a game of advancing to the Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.

That's why NBA.com writer John Schuhmann has listed the Knicks at No. 2 in his Eastern Conference power ranking behind the Celtics.

"The Brunson-rebounding-and-defense identity will take a hit with the departure of Hartenstein, who was fourth on the team in total minutes last season. The Knicks’ rebounding percentage was highest (both in the regular season and playoffs) with Mitchell Robinson at the five, but Robinson has played in just 54% of the team’s games over the last two years and isn’t the defender or scorer that Hartenstein is. Team president Leon Rose will certainly look to add another rotation-caliber big man between now and February," Schuhmann writes. "It will be fascinating to see who closes games and how much Julius Randle plays at the five, so the Knicks can put their five best players on the floor. The hope is that Bridges can return to the efficiency of his last two full seasons in Phoenix (true shooting percentage of 64.5%) after registering 57.4% (below league average) over the last two seasons."

The Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks round out the rest of the top five in Schuhmann's Eastern Conference rankings.

The only major concern the Knicks face is what will come with the center position. If those concerns can be quieted over the next few months whether it be in a trade or a resurgence from Robinson, the Knicks could be seen as undoubtedly the best team in the East apart from the Celtics.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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