With the NBA season less than a month away, the New York Knicks are preparing to defend their championship, with starter Karl-Anthony Towns ready to compete. While Towns is a significant presence for the Knicks' frontcourt, there were multiple times last season when backup Mitchell Robinson came off the bench to replace him, whether for Towns' foul trouble, injury concerns, or so he could rest. Towns won't have Robinson replacing him this season, as his former teammate signed with the Boston Celtics several months ago.
During the Knicks media day, Towns opened up about Robinson's departure. "That hurt," he told reporters when asked about Robinson's departure, later adding, "I was very surprised that Mitch wasn't gonna be back here with us, so it was a surprise to everybody. Thought something would get done there, but like you said, we have Andre [Drummond]." More news: Jalen Brunson Gets Honest About Former Knicks Teammate Joining Celtics Following the Knicks' championship run, Robinson explored free agency and signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Celtics.
He'll now be part of a Boston team featuring All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Paul George, which will contend with the Knicks, among other potential Eastern Conference contenders. To replace Robinson, the Knicks signed veteran big man Andre Drummond to a one-year deal. Drummond last played for the 76ers last season and has led the league in rebounding four times during his career.
Towns also gave his thoughts about the Knicks signing Drummond and what it will be like to have him as a new teammate. "Someone I've respected a lot from afar and someone that I've been a fan of. [Drummond is] one of the best rebounders of our generation. To be able to play with him and also learn a little bit from him, as well, is going to be awesome," Towns admitted.
New York is looking to win back-to-back championships, but they'll face seemingly improved Eastern Conference competition. The Miami Heat made a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks to get Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 76ers acquired Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown via trade, just before LeBron James signed as a free agent to play in Philadelphia.
New York has Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Towns returning from a starting lineup that swept two playoff series before beating the San Antonio Spurs, 4-1, in the NBA Finals. They are a top contender to win again in 2027, but the last time a team repeated as champion was in 2018, when the Golden State Warriors, with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, captured a second straight title. More news: Caitlin Clark Calls Out ‘Sloppy’ Fever Performance After Playoff Loss to Aces For more about the New York Knicks and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
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