The New York Knicks are the reigning NBA champions as training camps open for the 2026-27 season. Their title defense officially begins now, with every team starting from a clean slate after a hectic offseason of trades and player movement. The Knicks secured the championship by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 6 on June 14, 2026, capping a hard-fought series.
The Knicks enter camp with strong momentum from their playoff run. Their last five games of the Finals, which gave them a 4-1 series record, show a team that found ways to win close contests. That run included a dramatic 107-106 victory on June 11 and a 105-104 win on June 6. They closed the Eastern Conference Finals with a dominant 130-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 26. Recent form shows a 4-1 record in their last five games, and they are currently on a two-game winning streak.
This consistency in high-pressure situations will be a foundation for the new season. Head coach Tom Thibodeau will demand the same defensive intensity and execution that defined their playoff run. Key players like Jalen Brunson, who orchestrated the offense, and their interior anchors will be counted on to set the tone from day one of practice.
While specific rankings for the top teams aren't detailed in the early list, the context is clear. The Knicks, as defending champions, are positioned in the upper tier of the league. The power rankings emphasize that last year's results don't matter much now, but a roster returning its core is a significant advantage. Other teams in the Eastern Conference have made moves, but New York's proven chemistry gives them an early edge.
Contrast this with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, who are ranked 30th as they begin life post-Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Brooklyn Nets, ranked 28th after adding Julius Randle, are seen as a project needing young players to develop rapidly. The Knicks' situation is the opposite: they are the finished product that others must try to catch.
The primary challenge is managing a target on their backs. The team must avoid complacency after reaching the summit. Integrating any minor roster tweaks and maintaining the hunger that drove them to a title will be Thibodeau's main training camp themes.
They'll also need to monitor a competitive Eastern Conference landscape. Teams that underperformed last season will be aiming to bounce back, and the race for playoff positioning will start immediately.
The approach will be businesslike. Training camp will focus on refining their systems rather than installing new ones. Conditioning and reinforcing their defensive identity will be priorities. The preseason games, especially for teams playing internationally, will be used to build rhythm and evaluate end-of-bench roles.
For the Knicks, the 2026-27 season is about legacy. Winning one championship is an incredible feat, but building a dynasty is the next step. It all starts with the work they put in over the next few weeks at camp. The first official step toward the 2027 NBA Finals begins now, with the champions leading the way.
