Once you reach the mountaintop there’s nowhere to go but back down, and the New York Knicks might be learning that the hard way this offseason.
The Knicks were recently listed as a team that took a step backwards this offseason by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes.
New York Knicks Named as Team That âDefinitelyâ Got Worse This Offseason
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 08, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Hughes listed five NBA teams that âdefinitelyâ got worse during the current offseason, and the Knicks made the list. While Hughes gave the Knicks credit for retaining several key role players, he thinks that the team will regret not retaining center Mitchell Robinson.
“The Knicks were almost guaranteed to get worse this offseason, if not by default then by owner James Dolan’s unwillingness to go into the second apron. Given its constraints, New York did exceptionally well to keep Mohamed Diawara (four years, $10 million), Jose Alvarado (three years, $14 million) and Landry Shamet (four years, $24 million). Mitchell Robinson, a more prominent rotation piece than any of the Knicks’ retentions, was the one that got away,” Hughes wrote.
“The Knicks didn’t have to let him go, and there’s a good chance they’ll miss his elite offensive rebounding and defensive force. Sure, health concerns and the foul-shooting struggles that rendered Robinson occasionally unplayable during the title run loom large. But it’s nonetheless disappointing to watch a defending champion lose a critical piece over money.”
It’s rare that a title-winning team is able to retain all of its key contributors, so the Knicks actually did pretty well in keeping most of theirs around. Plus, they did a decent job of addressing the void left by Robinson by signing veteran rebounding machine Andre Drummond.
Andre Drummond Will Aim to Fill the Void Left by Mitchell Robinson
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 04: Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
In a recent interview, Drummond explained what he brings to New York and how he can help fill the large hole left by Robinson.
âI think this what they need right now,â Drummond said. âGetting rid of Mitchell Robinson was a huge loss for them. I bring in a similar talent, similar energy, but Iâm a veteran, Iâve been around for a long time, and I know what it takes to win. [Iâm] excited to be in a new role in a new city, going back to a place Iâm familiar with.â
The Knicks may not have improved on paper this offseason, but if the Drummond signing works out, they might not have taken too much of a big step back, either.
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