Wally Szczerbiak Sees Knicks as Playoff Contenders

Former All-Star breaks down New York's postseason chances and keys to a potential championship run

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:33am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Knicks basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors.The Knicks' playoff push will require a multifaceted effort, with key contributors like Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson playing crucial roles.Today in Pittsburgh

NBA analyst and former All-Star Wally Szczerbiak discusses the Knicks' playoff outlook, highlighting their improved depth, coaching adjustments, and key contributors like Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson. Szczerbiak believes the Knicks are better equipped for a deep playoff run this year compared to last season.

Why it matters

The Knicks are looking to build on their recent playoff appearances and make a serious push for an NBA championship. Szczerbiak's insights as a former player and current analyst provide valuable perspective on the team's strengths, potential X-factors, and the high expectations from the passionate New York fanbase.

The details

Szczerbiak praised the Knicks' depth and the coaching staff's ability to manage minutes and experiment with different lineups throughout the season. He highlighted the importance of defending the 3-point line against the Hawks, as well as the impact of a healthy and rested Jalen Brunson. Szczerbiak also discussed the key roles of players like Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, and the potential of a Knicks-Celtics second-round matchup.

  • Szczerbiak will be in studio with Bill Pidto and Alan Hahn for MSG Network's pre- and postgame coverage during the Knicks' first-round matchup against the Hawks.

The players

Wally Szczerbiak

An NBA analyst and former All-Star who provides commentary and analysis for the Knicks' playoff coverage on MSG Network.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard, who Szczerbiak believes is better rested and equipped to lead the team in the playoffs compared to last season.

Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks' starting center, who Szczerbiak sees as a key X-factor with his defensive presence and rebounding ability.

Josh Hart

The Knicks' starting small forward, whose improved shooting and intangibles Szczerbiak believes will be important for the team's success.

Mikal Bridges

The Knicks' starting small forward, who Szczerbiak credits as a crucial defensive presence that helped the team get past the Celtics in last year's playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I personally would think they're a little more equipped for success and the opportunity to win a championship. That's how this team has been coached all season long. They've been primed to be healthy at this point in the season, peaking at this point in the season, tweaking matchups, tweaking lineups, tweaking benches here and there just to see what works best.”

— Wally Szczerbiak, NBA Analyst and Former All-Star

“The prep's gonna be big for these guys this week and I know this team'll be ready. I really believe experience wins in the playoffs.”

— Wally Szczerbiak, NBA Analyst and Former All-Star

“Josh Hart's confidence shooting the basketball is in a great place, and that's one thing that I think hurt the Knicks a little bit in last year's playoffs, the fact that he didn't trust his 3-point shooting, and as a result teams were able to load up defensively on all of the other guys. They can't do that this year.”

— Wally Szczerbiak, NBA Analyst and Former All-Star

What’s next

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The takeaway

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