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Knicks NBA Cup Group: Toughest in East?

The New York Knicks could have the biggest challenge advancing to the knockout stage of the Emirates NBA Cup.

Jeremy Brener

May 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) wrestle for the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) wrestle for the ball during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Knicks are looking forward to the Emirates NBA Cup in November and December in hopes of improving upon their quarterfinals finish from the first In-Season Tournament in 2023.

On the first day of the Las Vegas Summer League, the Knicks and the rest of the NBA were placed in their six groups for the tournament. The Knicks were placed in East Group A, which could turn out to be the toughest group in the conference, and potentially the entire NBA.

Here's a preview as to who the Knicks will play in East Group A:

Brooklyn Nets

Arguably the easiest team in the group, the Nets will play the Knicks an early season match that will see Mikal Bridges go against his former team. Whether the game takes place in Manhattan or Brooklyn, there will be a lot of eyeballs on Bridges and the Knicks as they look to get a big win against their New York City rival.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets are seen as an underdog in the group, but they could be better if LaMelo Ball returns to good health. With last year's No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller also on the team and new coach Charles Lee injecting a new energy into the franchise, the Hornets could look to use the Emirates NBA Cup as a way to build momentum and grow as a group, making them a sneaky team in Group A.

Orlando Magic

The Magic were the biggest risers in tha NBA last season, going from a perennial lottery team to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the team went to Game 7 of the first round against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This offseason, the team only got better by adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the mix, forming one of the better defenses in the NBA.

Philadelphia 76ers

Another chapter of the rivalry between the Knicks and Sixers will be born after last year's six-game playoff series in the first round. The 76ers eyed improvement in the offseason, signing Paul George to a max deal in order to challenge the Knicks and the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

No game in the Emirates NBA Cup will be easy, and the Knicks will have to bring their A-game every night if they want to make it out of Group A.

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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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