Knicks Insider Warns of Potential 'Hangover,' 3-Point Regression After 2026 NBA Title

The New York Knicks are atop the NBA mountaintop after winning their first championship since 1973, but their repeat efforts could face some serious challenges in 2026-27.

"A team source took a cautious approach when forecasting for next season, warning about the possibility of a championship hangover and noting that the Knicks' 3-point shooting could regress next spring after they ranked first in the 2026 postseason," ESPN's Ben Golliver reported.

Golliver noted that nine of New York's top 10 members of its playoff rotation are returning with only Mitchell Robinson no longer on the roster. The team didn't waste any time finding a replacement, adding Andre Drummond to slide into Robinson's place on the depth chart.

Still, the Eastern Conference figures to be more challenging this season with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining the Philadelphia 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo teaming up with Bam Adebayo on the Miami Heat, Tyrese Haliburton returning from injury for the Indiana Pacers, and Kawhi Leonard joining the Toronto Raptors.

Contenders like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics could also be threats for a Knicks team that finished with the No. 3 seed last season before catching fire from deep during the playoffs and riding Jalen Brunson's star power to a title.

Even the slightest regression from three-point range could make a difference with so many contenders in the East, and that's not even getting into a potential NBA Finals matchup with either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs.

While New York defeated the Spurs in five games in last season's Finals, San Antonio was up by double digits in all four of its losses. A more experienced Spurs team could be in a better position to close those games out if there was a rematch.

Yet even if the Knicks don't defend their title with back-to-back championships, Brunson and Co. will still be heroes in New York City. After all, that's what happens when you lead a beloved franchise to its first title in 53 years.