Fringe Contenders: Knicks 'Closest' After Anunoby Trade?

Posting a 10-2 record since trading for OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks may have the strongest case for a championship beyond the conventional contenders.

Just past the midway mark of the 2023-24 season, the changes that the New York Knicks have made to their roster, namely dealing RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto for OG Anunoby and two others, have them surging up the Eastern Conference leaderboard.

Entering Thursday night play, the Knicks (27-17) are tied with Cleveland for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and own the best record in the NBA since Jan. 1 at 10-2. The surge coincides with acquiring Anunoby's services and the continued rise of the Jalen Brunson/Julius Randle tandem certainly hasn't hurt. 

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With that in mind and the Knicks seeking reinforcements before the Feb. 8 trade deadline, it's worth wondering just how close they are to true contention in the Eastern Conference. Dan Favale's latest for Bleacher Report pondered the same: while imploring the Knicks to make a move, he did list New York as the group in the best shape beyond conventional contenders like Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia.

"New York is arguably closer than anyone after adding OG Anunoby," Favale writes. "But can the front office fortify the team's ascent by acquiring another ball-handler, a la Malcolm Brogdon? Could the Knicks possibly think bigger?"

Even with Anunoby in tow, the Knicks have reportedly been vocal about wanting to make another trade before the Feb. 8 deadline, one that could push the team over the edge. As it stands, the Knicks are three games behind Philadelphia for third and seven behind Boston for the top seed.

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The Knicks have a major chance to prove their mettle on Thursday night, as they'll host the defending champion Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).