Knicks and Former Knicks Dominating Conference Finals Rosters

Probably the greatest tales of the 2025 NBA Playoffs is the New York Knicks’ organizational turnaround that has led them to the Jap Convention Finals for the primary time since 2000. New York shocked the basketball world by taking good care of the Celtics in six video games. It was one of many largest upsets in latest reminiscence, however these Knicks nonetheless have two collection left to scale the mountaintop. Funnily sufficient, NY’s breakthrough to the Closing 4 isn’t their solely illustration within the league’s remaining elite. New York is well-represented throughout the bracket’s 4 squads.

Knicks and Former Knicks Dominating Convention Finals Rosters

Every Remaining Group Has A Former Knick

When you wanted any extra proof of the super competency of the newly minted Knicks entrance workplace, simply check out the 4 rosters nonetheless standing. Not solely are the present, freshly constructed Knicks surging by means of the postseason, however 4 different gamers are filling necessary roles on the opposite three groups.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo

The Minnesota Timberwolves have impressed this playoff run, beating each the Warriors and Lakers in 5 video games. Former Knicks Julius Randle (37.6 MPG) and Donte DiVincenzo (25.8 MPG) are each enormous elements of the Wolves’ rotation. Randle is their second star, silencing all of the doubters about his playoff skills by averaging 23.9 PPG on 50.9% taking pictures from the sector. DiVincenzo comes off the bench however typically closes video games for the Wolves. He’s arguably their fifth-best participant and is a part of the trusted lineup Chris Finch employs within the clutch.

Each DiVincenzo and Randle deliver that New York grit to their recreation, which inserts in completely with the Wolves’ type of play. They’re a hard-nosed crew that assaults every thing in entrance of them, and the 2 former Knicks are an integral a part of that.

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: Isaiah Hartenstein 

Probably the most underrated roster modifications New York endured in 2024 was the lack of massive man Isaiah Hartenstein. After buying and selling for Mikal Bridges and lengthening OG Anunoby, NY merely didn’t find the money for to deliver again Hartenstein, who signed a profitable three-year, $87M contract in Oklahoma Metropolis.

For as massive of a loss because it was for New York, who misplaced a few of their defensive id till Mitchell Robinson returned from damage, it has been simply as giant of a achieve for OKC. Hartenstein has introduced a ton of worth on each ends of the ground. Offensively, he supplies a pick-and-roll outlet for OKC’s guards, as he’s a wonderful short-roll playmaker and finisher. His floater is among the many greatest within the league. Defensively, he beefs up the Thunder’s frontline after they had been badly out-muscled of their second-round loss to Dallas in 2024. He and Chet Holmgren now kind a fierce front-court duo each defensively and on the glass. Hartenstein was a giant a part of slowing down Nikola Jokic of their seven-game victory.

Indiana Pacers: Obi Toppin 

New York’s East Finals opponent additionally encompasses a former Knick who helped construct the franchise that it’s right this moment. Taken within the first spherical of the 2020 draft, Obi Toppin performed three seasons in New York. Though he was by no means in a position to attain his potential below Tom Thibodeau, particularly being caught behind Julius Randle on the depth chart, Toppin left NY a fan favourite for his athletic feats. He’ll at all times be remembered for his unbelievable dunking means, but in addition carried out nicely within the 2021 and 2023 playoff runs. Toppin now performs a giant position on the Pacers (8.5 PPG in 16.0 MPG). He suits completely of their run-and-gun offense led by Tyrese Haliburton.

The Final Phrase

The truth that the Knicks usually are not solely within the Convention Finals themselves, but in addition have 4 former gamers thriving on their very own groups within the Closing 4, is a nod to the progress Leon Rose has made with this franchise. Rose simply appears to have a knack for figuring out expertise that may work below Tom Thibodeau’s growth system. Nearly each participant who comes into New York improves, and now a few of these guys are ascending on different groups. We’ll see which former (or present) Knick wins their first championship.

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