The Knicks have pulled off an impressive improvement this offseason. Magic Johnson, Stephen A. Smith, and Knicks fans are excited about the addition of Mikal Bridges to the team and the return of key players in the spotlight. Now it was for former NBA player Gilbert Arenas to discuss the Knicks’ new improved roster as well as the main man of the team.

The New York Knicks are known to slip from the brink of glory, often derailed by injuries — a scene much highlighted in the 2023-24 season. But things look to take a hopeful turn now. With Knicks star Julius Randle set to return, Gil’s Arena crew discussed what the team is going to look like soon. 

“Randle at the 5, OG (OG Anunoby) at 4, Mikal at the 3, Hart and DiVincenzo, whoever is playing well.. probably be for the most part Josh Hart finishing the game. He’s gonna do a little bit of everything,” Arenas said on the podcast Gil’s Arena when asked about which players should be in the starting line-up.

Before that one of the co-hosts mentioned the earlier situation with the Knicks missing their star players. The 3x NBA All-Star Randle and other instrumental players were missing for a long time. After dislocating his right shoulder bone, Randle had to undergo surgery which sidelined him for the rest of the season.

OG Anunoby too, was sidelined for a long time for his right elbow injury. Mitchell Robinson couldn’t make a presence in 50 games because of his left ankle injury. He finally returned to the court game on March 27. Nonetheless, the Knicks once again succumbed in the semi-finals; extending their championship drought for over 5 decades. Now with a better looking roster, excitement is certainly in the air. 

Stephen A. Smith and Magic Johnson are thrilled about Knicks’ new roster

It’s safe to say that the Knicks have shifted for the better now. Apart from the return of their starting lineup, the Knicks brought in Mikal Bridges. Bridges will reunite with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo in the New York Knicks. The four stars led Villanova to the NCAA championship in 2016. While Hart left for the NBA, Brunson, DiVincenzo, and Bridges went on to win another title.

“Mikal Bridges traded to the Knicks. Wow, hats off to Leon Rose and William Wesley aka World Wide Wes! This trade changes the landscape in the Eastern Conference,” Johnson wrote on X. Both Johnson and Smith agreed on how the addition will help elevate the Knicks’ game. The five-time NBA champion even added that this could place the Knicks in competition against the reigning champions Boston Celtics.

“Now, the Knicks will challenge the Celtics for first place in the East while putting pressure on the Sixers and Bucks to improve!”Johnson concluded. As Arenas mentioned, Hart’s impact is sure to level up the game as the rest bring in more power to the team. 

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.