2027 NBA Season

[blockman]

Just preseason. Doesn’t matter and is more about letting the young guys get some experience with the pros before the season starts.

New York isn’t even in my top 5 teams. I expect they will be a first round exit in the playoffs this year and will have to fight probably just to make a top 4 seed in the east.

Yes, preseason and nothing serious here. But I feel bad for Ariel Hukporti. Just the preseason game and he's got himself a ruptured achilles. And he's not going to play for the remainder of this season. What a terrible start for this guy and I guess also for the 76ers. He's one of the three centers in the team. It's only three of them, Embiid, Tacko Fall and him. And I've read that LeBron[1] just scolded Embiid when he was late to the practice. A lot of things already happened to the 76ers on this pre season and there's got to be more.

[1] (LeBron James Reportedly Let Joel Embiid 'Hear It' After Being 'Minutes' Late to 76ers Practice)

[xLays]

the knicks started the season with a loss. i don’t think it was a bad game for a preseason opener. jaylen brown got off to a good start for the 76ers. i was expecting the defending champion knicks to win this game, but the 76ers look like they’ll be a good team as well. besides, mostly rookies were playing toward the end of the second half, so the pace wasn’t very fast.

Just preseason. Doesn’t matter and is more about letting the young guys get some experience with the pros before the season starts.

New York isn’t even in my top 5 teams. I expect they will be a first round exit in the playoffs this year and will have to fight probably just to make a top 4 seed in the east.

I think you forgot that the Knicks were the champions last season, OG. That's some serious disrespect toward the defending champions. lol

But yeah first round exit is possible if they end up facing the Raptors or 76ers. Raptors now have Kawhi and Scottie Barnes, while the 76ers have Brown, Embiid and Maxey. Those would be tough matchups.

I still think the Knicks strong team, especially with KAT and Jalen Brunson still on the roster.

[Shinpako09]

And I've read that LeBron[1] just scolded Embiid when he was late to the practice.

So, even with LeBron and Brown there, his tardiness hasn't changed. The management has been too soft on him, that's why he is not changing. That's affecting the chemistry of the team. He is very unprofessional and not a good example for the youth. If he keeps on doing that, I wouldn't be surprised if LeBron asks the management to trade him. He can test the waters to see if he or LeBron has more pull. Being the main guy and former MVP doesn't mean you can be late, especially now that there is Brown and LeBron. That's not an excuse at all.

[fullfitlarry]

And I've read that LeBron[1] just scolded Embiid when he was late to the practice.

So, even with LeBron and Brown there, his tardiness hasn't changed. The management has been too soft on him, that's why he is not changing. That's affecting the chemistry of the team. He is very unprofessional and not a good example for the youth. If he keeps on doing that, I wouldn't be surprised if LeBron asks the management to trade him. He can test the waters to see if he or LeBron has more pull. Being the main guy and former MVP doesn't mean you can be late, especially now that there is Brown and LeBron. That's not an excuse at all.

I wasn't aware of Joel's history of being late in practice and acting like a diva. In any case, it's good that Lebron and others might have to scold him. Maybe the management is soft on him because he become a franchise player.

But still, it's no excuse that someone in his caliber, becoming a MVP will act like this. He should be very happy that he has Lebron and Brown now to help him become a champion. However, he needs to change his mentality so that they will succeed with all the great players blending.

[LogitechMouse]

KAT has always made a ton of money and I don’t think he is going to accept less than a max to sign somewhere. This likely means he will be looking for another team after the season ends. Seems like he might be getting up there in age, but I’m sure he’ll be able to find a home and a max contract somewhere.

I've said yesterday, that he don't deserve the max contract, and I will stand on that one HOWEVER, I believe though that he could still be worth more than $200M, and there's one reason why. HIS SKILLSET.

He has the skillset that you can't find in any big out there. He can stretch the floor and shoot threes, he can pass which is very rare for a big man nowadays, and his impact on the Knicks is just too high to ignore. We can't deny the fact that he had some bad nights especially in the NBA Finals where he scored 0 points in 4th quarter in some games, but we can't also deny the fact that he develop passing ability that helped them win 13 consecutive playoff games last season.

I want to emphasize his passing abilities because it's very rare to see a big passing ball. The only one that comes to my mind is Jokic, and I know that KAT isn't as good as Jokic, but the point is, it's hard to find a big right now who can shoot threes and pass the ball at the same time. There's an article that says that he's willing to accept a pay cut to stay with the team, but he will not get that $200M contract which for me right now, is understandable.

For me, he's worth than $200M, but not worth the max contract. It's just bad for the Knicks though that they don't want to spend too much just to increase their chances of winning back-to-back.

[Dave1]

For me, he's worth than $200M, but not worth the max contract. It's just bad for the Knicks though that they don't want to spend too much just to increase their chances of winning back-to-back.

I really don't know what's going on with the franchise lately, it seems that they don't want to spend a lot of money after winning a championship and then their core breaking up. That's why we haven't seen back to back champion in years. Although last year OKC did stay with their core and spend a lot of money on Jaylen Brown and others unfortunately, they have to face Wemby.

And just like what happened to the Buck with Giannis winning a ring, they traded Holiday and then Khris Middleton, now they are resetting everything but I don't think that they can build a championship team. Perhaps the Knicks has spend too much money already, and if I recall, Jalen Brunson make a sacrifice as well and had to cut his salary in order to get some players and that's why they won.

Maybe this is what Knicks are expecting of KAT as well to make that huge sacrifice and have a run on the championship again.

[stadus]

Maybe this is what Knicks are expecting of KAT as well to make that huge sacrifice and have a run on the championship again.

His player option is still next season, which means there is still plenty of time for the Knicks to change their offer or increase it, provided it's allowed under their salary cap.

He is eligible for $276M., that's a lot of cut if he'll accept only $200 million, and given he already won a championship with the team, I think its time for him to be rewarded with the contract he deserves as honestly the Knicks would not have won that without him though he is not the best player on the team, but he is a huge piece.

[Harkorede]

Maybe this is what Knicks are expecting of KAT as well to make that huge sacrifice and have a run on the championship again.

His player option is still next season, which means there is still plenty of time for the Knicks to change their offer or increase it, provided it's allowed under their salary cap.

He is eligible for $276M., that's a lot of cut if he'll accept only $200 million, and given he already won a championship with the team, I think its time for him to be rewarded with the contract he deserves as honestly the Knicks would not have won that without him though he is not the best player on the team, but he is a huge piece.

If they got lucky with Jalen Brunson leaving $113 million on the table, why not try it again with KAT right, I guess ?

They should pay the big fella his money they won the NBA Cup and now a "chip already, so this is the one to advocate for, not some wannabe with unproven track record that was claiming $200m was too small for a first contract.

[Maslate]

If they got lucky with Jalen Brunson leaving $113 million on the table, why not try it again with KAT right, I guess ?

Brunson probably did that because he wants to improve the team, but it doesn't mean KAT would do the same, especially now that they have already won a championship. KAT started with a big salary from his previous teams, so he is not used to getting a small salary, unlike Brunson who started with a small salary with Dallas. Let's just hope the management and KAT can have a good deal so the team will remain intact, because the Knicks have already built good chemistry.

[OgNasty]

If they got lucky with Jalen Brunson leaving $113 million on the table, why not try it again with KAT right, I guess ?

Brunson probably did that because he wants to improve the team, but it doesn't mean KAT would do the same, especially now that they have already won a championship. KAT started with a big salary from his previous teams, so he is not used to getting a small salary, unlike Brunson who started with a small salary with Dallas. Let's just hope the management and KAT can have a good deal so the team will remain intact, because the Knicks have already built good chemistry.

You make a great point.  Everyone talks about Brunson taking a huge pay cut, but 1) I don't think he deserved the max anyway, so I'm not sure he took a pay cut and just took what he was offered.  When you haven't gotten a big payday, a nine figure contract is not something one considers a pay cut.  KAT on the other hand is already worth hundreds of millions of dollars.  He's going to make sure he gets paid and keeps his career going at a max pay level.  A step back could cost him a huge amount of money over the remainder of his career.  The Knicks are toast. 

[Shinpako09]

For me, he's worth than $200M, but not worth the max contract. It's just bad for the Knicks though that they don't want to spend too much just to increase their chances of winning back-to-back.

I really don't know what's going on with the franchise lately, it seems that they don't want to spend a lot of money after winning a championship and then their core breaking up. That's why we haven't seen back to back champion in years. Although last year OKC did stay with their core and spend a lot of money on Jaylen Brown and others unfortunately, they have to face Wemby.

And just like what happened to the Buck with Giannis winning a ring, they traded Holiday and then Khris Middleton, now they are resetting everything but I don't think that they can build a championship team. Perhaps the Knicks has spend too much money already, and if I recall, Jalen Brunson make a sacrifice as well and had to cut his salary in order to get some players and that's why they won.

Maybe this is what Knicks are expecting of KAT as well to make that huge sacrifice and have a run on the championship again.

Whether intentional or not, they will probably use the case of Brunson to pressure KAT to accept the $200M offer. For sure, this will leave KAT in a dilemma. As one of the main contributors to the Knicks' championship, I guess he deserves more. Even if they wanted to cut or save, it shouldn't be that huge. If they don't want to give him the max contract, at least adding a little more to their offer will do. He is 30, has got a ring already, and this will probably be the last huge offer he can get. Just a realistic take, he might be on the decline once that contract ends. Now, it's up to KAT if he will make a decision based on a business perspective or not.

[tech30338]

For me, he's worth than $200M, but not worth the max contract. It's just bad for the Knicks though that they don't want to spend too much just to increase their chances of winning back-to-back.

I really don't know what's going on with the franchise lately, it seems that they don't want to spend a lot of money after winning a championship and then their core breaking up. That's why we haven't seen back to back champion in years. Although last year OKC did stay with their core and spend a lot of money on Jaylen Brown and others unfortunately, they have to face Wemby.

And just like what happened to the Buck with Giannis winning a ring, they traded Holiday and then Khris Middleton, now they are resetting everything but I don't think that they can build a championship team. Perhaps the Knicks has spend too much money already, and if I recall, Jalen Brunson make a sacrifice as well and had to cut his salary in order to get some players and that's why they won.

Maybe this is what Knicks are expecting of KAT as well to make that huge sacrifice and have a run on the championship again.

Every team experience this they need to work with players and vice versa, if they really want to content for the coming season, Brunson make it happen last year when he make an adjustment into the salary to bring important pieces now its time for KAT to do the same if they really want another shot at the title they already lost some key players, if the salary will be an issue its a big blow for the team, sometimes players turn cold and wont play properly so this might be the dilemma of the knicks.

[Cointxz]

Whether intentional or not, they will probably use the case of Brunson to pressure KAT to accept the $200M offer. For sure, this will leave KAT in a dilemma. As one of the main contributors to the Knicks' championship, I guess he deserves more. Even if they wanted to cut or save, it shouldn't be that huge. If they don't want to give him the max contract, at least adding a little more to their offer will do. He is 30, has got a ring already, and this will probably be the last huge offer he can get. Just a realistic take, he might be on the decline once that contract ends. Now, it's up to KAT if he will make a decision based on a business perspective or not.

Honestly, This is the only year which KAT didn’t choke during playoffs. Based on his previous performance on Knicks and Wolves before he is always playing cold when he needed the most on later stage of playoffs.

This time he managed to contribute well probably Knicks has a solid and well balanced roster that compensates when KAT is not performing well.

He was already on decline performance until last season post season improvement.

[ultrloa]

Whether intentional or not, they will probably use the case of Brunson to pressure KAT to accept the $200M offer. For sure, this will leave KAT in a dilemma. As one of the main contributors to the Knicks' championship, I guess he deserves more. Even if they wanted to cut or save, it shouldn't be that huge. If they don't want to give him the max contract, at least adding a little more to their offer will do. He is 30, has got a ring already, and this will probably be the last huge offer he can get. Just a realistic take, he might be on the decline once that contract ends. Now, it's up to KAT if he will make a decision based on a business perspective or not.

Honestly, This is the only year which KAT didn’t choke during playoffs. Based on his previous performance on Knicks and Wolves before he is always playing cold when he needed the most on later stage of playoffs.

This time he managed to contribute well probably Knicks has a solid and well balanced roster that compensates when KAT is not performing well.

He was already on decline performance until last season post season improvement.

Take Kat out on Knicks and their championship chances will decrease.

Although Kat shows inconsistency, but he remain the major contributor of their team. He knows well how to play his role and that's the reason why they win a championship.

Knicks management is playing with fire here, since first they choose not to retain Robinson which also is their key defensive player. Now they are pressuring KAT with his contract and this might not end up well for their team. But well let see the next update if KAT agree or he will choose to sign on other team.

[Questat]

Honestly, This is the only year which KAT didn’t choke during playoffs. Based on his previous performance on Knicks and Wolves before he is always playing cold when he needed the most on later stage of playoffs.

I don't think so, the problem is not actually him.

Remember they even reached the ECF but sadly they fell to the Pacers, which were hot at that time.
And his numbers will speak for themselves.

Average

21.4 points
11.6 rebounds

This time he managed to contribute well probably Knicks has a solid and well balanced roster that compensates when KAT is not performing well.

He was already on decline performance until last season post season improvement.

his number does not say so.. look at his avarage.
2025–26 playoffs

15.9 points
10.6 rebounds
4.9 assists

[danherbias07]

A very healthy Denver Nuggets team. I am not assuming just because they won a preseason. I just looked at how well they play as a team.

I can see a lot of talent on their bench. With Gordon healthy, and so are Murray and the main characters, I think the Nuggets may get a championship chance again. Their role players are great. DeRozan is also there, and I think he signed a small contract ($3.8M) because he is chasing a championship. Well, he might actually have a chance. He may do pretty well as a backup shooter. Vince Carter-type of performance when he was near retirement.
All the first five have a good backup, and I think that's their key to making it to the Finals again. Well, as long as they keep being healthy.

[Cointxz]

Honestly, This is the only year which KAT didn’t choke during playoffs. Based on his previous performance on Knicks and Wolves before he is always playing cold when he needed the most on later stage of playoffs.

I don't think so, the problem is not actually him.

Remember they even reached the ECF but sadly they fell to the Pacers, which were hot at that time.
And his numbers will speak for themselves.

Average

21.4 points
11.6 rebounds

This time he managed to contribute well probably Knicks has a solid and well balanced roster that compensates when KAT is not performing well.

He was already on decline performance until last season post season improvement.

his number does not say so.. look at his avarage.
2025–26 playoffs

15.9 points
10.6 rebounds
4.9 assists

What I mean is in terms of his impact on the game and being consistent but since you already pull the stats then let’s see how the Knicks improved too in general.

OG Anunoby points per game

Season	Regular season	Playoffs
2024-25	18.0	16.3
2025-26	16.7	20.1

Knicks bench points per game

Season	Bench PPG
2024-25	21.7
2025-26	31.6

That 10+ points increased on bench and OG contributions makes the slight decline for KAT acceptable if they are winning the game.

As I mentioned earlier, Knicks overall player improves a lot last season. I’m not blaming KAT alone for their lost last year but he should be the one giving impact on that ECF if he dominate Pacers with his paint score which he didn’t. He slow down scoring after his Game 1 explosive game.

Anyway, I didn’t notice that his stats suddenly decline since I’m focus on his impact consistency. Thanks on the stats share.

[dwyane36]

A very healthy Denver Nuggets team. I am not assuming just because they won a preseason. I just looked at how well they play as a team.

I can see a lot of talent on their bench. With Gordon healthy, and so are Murray and the main characters, I think the Nuggets may get a championship chance again. Their role players are great. DeRozan is also there, and I think he signed a small contract ($3.8M) because he is chasing a championship. Well, he might actually have a chance. He may do pretty well as a backup shooter. Vince Carter-type of performance when he was near retirement.
All the first five have a good backup, and I think that's their key to making it to the Finals again. Well, as long as they keep being healthy.

Well, I think it's hard to predict right now which team will make it to the Finals and win the title, since not only have the Nuggets gotten stronger over the past offseason, but so have many other teams.
If the Nuggets perform well by the end of the regular season, it's unlikely to surprise anyone, but whether they'll be able to go far in the playoffs is still unclear.

[tech30338]

A very healthy Denver Nuggets team. I am not assuming just because they won a preseason. I just looked at how well they play as a team.

I can see a lot of talent on their bench. With Gordon healthy, and so are Murray and the main characters, I think the Nuggets may get a championship chance again. Their role players are great. DeRozan is also there, and I think he signed a small contract ($3.8M) because he is chasing a championship. Well, he might actually have a chance. He may do pretty well as a backup shooter. Vince Carter-type of performance when he was near retirement.
All the first five have a good backup, and I think that's their key to making it to the Finals again. Well, as long as they keep being healthy.

Well, I think it's hard to predict right now which team will make it to the Finals and win the title, since not only have the Nuggets gotten stronger over the past offseason, but so have many other teams.
If the Nuggets perform well by the end of the regular season, it's unlikely to surprise anyone, but whether they'll be able to go far in the playoffs is still unclear.

The west now is so stack 4 teams are already secured in the playoffs still they are the favored to win the championship this season the east now is a bit shaken with lebron going to the east but its not like they are the best team right now, but its a warning for the east which have been control by james team in the past, although he is old he still knows how things work so, east have a chance again this year but only slim because west is putting super teams, and a young talents are pouring in the west.