Christmas Day
Date: Monday, December 25
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
Venue: Madison Square Garden
The Philadelphia 76ers have become the youth movement’s version of the Golden State Warriors. While the Warriors have four All-NBA players and a fifth former All-Star, the 76ers have two No. 1 overall draft picks, a revered rising star, an alluring stretch 4, and a deep bench.
As the New York Knicks attempt their own rebuild, one can’t help but use one of the division rivals as a measuring stick for progress.
Philadelphia’s roster includes former No. 1 overall draft picks Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons, as well as well-rounded big men Joel Embiid and Dario Saric. All four players have the look of future All-NBA players, and the quality of the roster doesn’t end there.
J.J. Redick is a lights-out shooter, Robert Covington is an excellent defender, T.J. McConnell is an underrated point guard, and Jahlil Okafor is still around.
As for New York, the appeal here will be the combination of Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez matching up against Embiid and Saric. Frank Ntilikina will have the challenge of playing Fultz, and New York’s veterans will have to deal with the rest.
This will be a tall task for the Knicks, but considering Philadelphia is a division rival, this could put New York’s progress into perspective.