As the 2025-26 NBA season winds down, the New York Knicks find themselves grappling with expectations that were sky-high from the get-go. With aspirations of reaching the final four for the second year in a row, the Knicks were pegged as championship contenders by none other than owner James Dolan, who declared it a "championship round-or-bust" season.
However, the reality on the court paints a different picture. The Knicks are currently in a slump, riding a three-game losing streak with key players struggling to find their rhythm within the team's scheme. While some might point fingers at the media and fanbase for setting lofty expectations, it's clear that these expectations are not unfounded.
Why the high expectations are justified
The Knicks are operating with the seventh-highest payroll in the league, a clear indicator that they're all-in on a title run. With their finances pressed against the league's second apron, it's evident that the organization has invested heavily in this roster.
Key players like Karl-Anthony Towns, the ninth-highest paid player this season at $53.1 million, and Jalen Brunson, a consistent MVP contender and reigning Clutch Player of the Year, lead the charge. This duo alone suggests that the Knicks should be serious contenders.
Last season, this core group propelled the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, falling just two wins short of an NBA Finals appearance. The decision to replace Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown was aimed at evolving the team further, as Dolan emphasized. Therefore, expecting the Knicks to break through to the finals this year isn't just reasonable-it's expected.
The fans and organization alike should demand nothing less than progress. Regression is not an option for a team with this much talent and investment. The Knicks have set their sights on greatness, and it's time for them to deliver.