The defending champion New York Knicks have received almost no support from NBA general managers to repeat as league champions this season. In a recent league-wide survey, a staggering 93 percent of GM votes for the 2026-27 title went to either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks, who open their season on October 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers, were relegated to the "others receiving votes" category. This skepticism comes despite the team returning its core and follows a challenging preseason where they lost 148-98 to the Toronto Raptors on October 13.
The lack of faith from league executives is stark. The Knicks aim to be the first repeat champions since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors, a feat not accomplished in nearly a decade. Yet the GM poll indicates most see the Western Conference's young powerhouses as the primary contenders. New York shares its "others receiving votes" status with a revamped Philadelphia 76ers squad, a team that has significantly improved its roster this offseason. Several other Eastern Conference teams, including the Toronto Raptors, have also made notable upgrades, suggesting a tougher path through the East.
This doubt is nothing new for the Knicks. They were underdogs during their 2026 championship run, repeatedly climbing out of large deficits in the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson proved a smaller guard could be the top option on a title team, silencing many critics. Their resilience became a defining trait. However, the team's recent preseason form has been a concern. After a 120-97 loss to the 76ers on October 5 and a narrow 111-109 defeat to Washington on October 8, they dropped games to Minnesota (122-104 on October 12) and suffered a heavy 148-98 loss to Toronto on October 13.
The GM poll sets a clear underdog narrative for New York's title defense. It places external pressure and low expectations on the roster before a single regular-season game is played. Coach Tom Thibodeau and veterans like Brunson will likely use this as motivational fuel. The team's identity, built on toughness and defense, will be tested immediately. Their championship rings and banner ceremony on October 20 will be a celebration of past success, but the current challenge is immense.
Integrating any new pieces and refining their schemes after a rocky preseason is now the immediate focus. The team gets a quick chance for preseason redemption with a rematch against the Toronto Raptors at home on October 15. The opening night matchup against LeBron James and the improved 76ers will be an early, serious test of their championship mettle.
History suggests this group thrives when counted out. The core's experience in high-stakes playoff games is a major asset that poll respondents may have undervalued. Their ability to execute in clutch moments, demonstrated throughout last year's finals, cannot be quantified in a preseason survey. The team's health and continuity are advantages many other contenders lack.
The games will decide the champion. The Knicks have the personnel and the proven system to compete. Starting strong out of the gate will be important to shift the early-season narrative. Their journey to prove the doubters wrong for a second consecutive year begins now.
