New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is aware of the threat the new-look Philadelphia 76ers pose with LeBron James on the roster.
The Knicks will hope to retain their NBA Championship in the 2026-27 season and become the first team since 2018 to successfully defend their title.
However, the East might have new favorites after the 76ers signed LeBron and acquired Jaylen Brown this summer. Even Brunson understands that.
Jalen Brunson thinks the 76ers are ‘rightfully’ considered the team to beat in the East
Brunson appeared on NBC News’ ‘Today’ show and was directly asked about the threat the reinforced 76ers pose in the East, agreeing with the host that Philadelphia is rightfully considered the team to beat.
“I mean, rightfully so. They have a lot of firepower. But we’re going to focus on what we’ve got to do, and we’ll see what happens.”
The Knicks didn’t make any major summer changes to their roster, aside from losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics and replacing him with veteran rebounding big Andre Drummond.
Outside of that, free agents like Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado returned to the franchise, as they hope the Brunson-led core with Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges can defend their crown.
Jalen Brunson’s reaction to LeBron James joining the 76ers
In an interview earlier in the day with CNN, Brunson was asked for his reaction to LeBron’s decision to join the 76ers, but refused to directly address the question.
“Honestly… There’s been a lot on my plate since we won… When it comes time to get back with my team, we’ll focus on that.”
The Knicks will lift their championship banner into the rafters of Madison Square Garden on opening night on October 20, with LeBron and the 76ers watching as their opponent for the marquee night.
Brunson reportedly chose not to recruit LeBron to the Knicks during the 41-year-old’s summer free agency, a decision that might have reinforced their biggest rivals.
There are other big threats in the East in Boston, Miami, Indiana, and maybe even Toronto, so the Knicks have a lot of rivals in the East to worry about outside the 76ers.
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