Knicks prepare for a whirlwind title defense, Nets core shows promise and potential, and St. John’s stars await their first taste of professional action
By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
LeBron James will be a 76er, penning a team friendly deal that turns the Atlantic Division into a bloodbath. James inked a two-year, $8 million contract last week, teaming up with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe with hopes to end the city’s now-44-year NBA title drought.
It was reported that LeBron would have signed with the Knicks had they not won a championship this year, and there is chatter that the all-time NBA great may choose to live in New York City and commute to Philadelphia. It’s an interesting pivot in his decision as he eyes a 5th career title,
Regardless, the Eastern Conference is looking downright terrifying this season – the first year in a long time that it’s felt this strong. Will LeBron’s 76ers be strong enough to avenge their sweep at the hands of the Knicks?
Summer break nears end for Knicks
In a few months time, the New York Knicks will have to brush the sand off their clothes as they head back home to mount their defense of the 2026 NBA Championship. Their title-winning roster hasn’t changed much this offseason, but the landscape around them definitely has.
The Atlantic Division now features one of the greatest players to grace the NBA hardwood on a new star-studded team, a hungry Jayson Tatum-led Celtics squad, the resurgent Raptors (with Kawhi Leonard’s possible return, pending the NBA’s investigation), and a Nets team that while early in a rebuild, will be eager to silence doubters to escape the “little brother” conversations.
There was worry about rust after each of the Knicks’ postseason sweeps, but New York showed that they were able to get back into rhythm quickly to get the job done. They’ll have to do that soon, as the regular season will be a grueling battle.
New Nets backcourt ready for action
Egor Dëmin and Mikel Brown Jr. looked great in Summer League action for the Brooklyn Nets. The second-year Dëmin averaged 21 points with 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game, earning a spot on the All-Summer League Second Team. Brown Jr. scored 16.7 with 4 assists in just over 22 minutes per game, showcasing his phenomenal feel for the game.
With Porter Jr. coming off a career season and Julius Randle returning to New York, the Nets have the makings of a troublesome team, even though they are still a ways away from competing for a top playoff seed.
Zuby, Mitch, and Hop praised in Summer League
The former Johnnies are starting to look all grown up! Zuby Ejiofor looked great in Summer League action against the Nets, scoring 13 while showcasing his energy and physicality.
Zuby is looking like he might be a problem for teams, just like in his BIG EAST days. The only thing left to round out is his shooting, but the Hawks are encouraging their late 1st round pick to put up as many as he can in preseason action.
“They just tell me to go out there and step up with confidence. Let the shots fly,” said Zuby after a strong Summer League performance against Brooklyn. “Playing to my strengths, my offensive rebounding, physicality, and effort, are some things I flash on a night-to-night basis.”
Two of Zuby’s 2025-26 teammates are also looking to crack preseason rosters. Dillon Mitchell showed many why he could be considered one of the steals of the 2nd round, flying high in Las Vegas to show off his dynamic and explosive ability.
Bryce Hopkins also looked decent in limited play for the Denver Nuggets. Both he and Mitchell will need to fix up their shooting in order to keep getting minutes, but it’s looking good for both 2nd round St. John’s selections as preseason basketball ticks closer.
