Mike D’Antoni gets real on Knicks chances of repeating as NBA champions

Former New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni believes the defending NBA champions still have the pieces to be among the league’s top teams. Speaking to Kyle Odegard of Action Network during training camp for the upcoming 2026-27 season, D’Antoni acknowledged the difficulty of winning back-to-back titles, but expressed optimism about the team's chances.

"It’s definitely a good sign. It’s hard to repeat. There’s no guarantee of anything. You need some luck along the way," D’Antoni said. New York enters the season with its championship core largely intact, featuring NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, along with Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. D’Antoni expects the team will handle the pressure and attention that comes with defending a title, emphasizing that "they’re pros."

He praised the Knicks for their class and intelligence during their championship run, stating it was "good for the NBA." With a focus on maintaining chemistry and handling the unpredictable nature of the postseason, D’Antoni remains confident in the Knicks' ability to contend again.