Josh Hart Says Knicks Using NBA Title Repeat Doubts as Fuel for 2026-27 NBA Season

New York Knicks star Josh Hart chatted with play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler and analyst John McEnroe during Alexander Zverev's U.S. Open quarterfinal win over Botic van de Zandschulp on Wednesday evening.

During the talk, Fowler asked if New York was "back on the grind," noting the Knicks had a "big target" on their back after winning the championship.

Hart disagreed with the assessment and explained why.

"I don't think we have a big target," Hart said. "Because I don't think anyone is picking us to win again. We're using it as fuel. We're still the hunters. We're not satisfied with one. So we're the hunters, and we like playing that game."

Both Hart and Fowler are right in their own ways. The Knicks might have a target on their back simply for being last year's champions. It was a well-deserved title after they went 16-3 in the playoffs, including a 14-1 stretch to cap the crown.

That said, New York certainly doesn't enter the year as championship favorites. In fact, the Knicks aren't even the overwhelming favorite to win the Eastern Conference.

Looking at the title odds , per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Oklahoma City Thunder (+230) and San Antonio Spurs (+280) lead the way. The Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are tied for third at 10-1.

The Knicks are also listed at +360 to win the East . No other team has shorter odds, but the 76ers (+400) and Boston Celtics (+550) aren't far behind, while a trio of teams looms next: the Toronto Raptors (8/1), Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons (+850 each). So, in other words, the Eastern Conference is seen as an open race.

The Knicks deciding to see themselves as the hunters and using the fact that they aren't considered championship favorites is ultimately a good idea.

The table is set for New York to make another deep playoff run, especially after the franchise brought nearly the entire roster (including the whole starting lineup) back into the mix.

The Knicks open the season on Oct. 20 against the 76ers, who are championship contenders themselves after bringing in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a team that made the second round of the playoffs last year.