Overview

• Carmelo Anthony predicted the Knicks will be the East’s No. 1 seed and reach the NBA Finals, speaking at NBC’s season-preview event in Stamford, Conn., promoting the network’s NBA return.
• Reggie Miller said the Knicks should come out of the East this season, while Jamal Crawford also picked New York and Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady selected the Cavaliers.
• Analysts pointed to Mike Brown’s arrival and a more free-flowing, uptempo system as a potential boost that could redistribute offensive load and energize the defense.
• Coverage noted New York kept its core and added bench depth with Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele and Malcolm Brogdon, factors cited in the optimistic outlook.
• The East’s landscape was framed as more favorable with Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton out with torn Achilles injuries, though questions remain about Jalen Brunson’s off-ball fit and the team’s top-end defense.