Josh Hart is already firing shots for the 2026-27 NBA season, telling the world the New York Knicks are anything but the hunted. Chatting during Alexander Zverev’s U.S. Open quarterfinal win, Hart went straight at play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler’s idea that the defending champions have a “big target” on their back. Hart’s response? He thinks nobody is picking them to win again, and they’re using that doubt as pure rocket fuel. He put it plainly: “We’re still the hunters. We’re not satisfied with one. So we’re the hunters, and we like playing that game.” Talk about throwing down the gauntlet!
The Champs Are on the Prowl
Let’s be real, the Knicks *did* win the championship last year. They ripped through the playoffs with a 16-3 record, capping their title run with a ridiculous 14-1 stretch. That’s not just winning, that’s a whole different level of domination when it mattered most. So yeah, Fowler’s right, they *should* have a target. But Hart’s flipping the script. He’s saying that despite being reigning champs, the league’s acting like they were a fluke. It’s smart, actually. This “hunters” mindset takes the pressure of being the “favorite” and turns it into pure, unadulterated motivation. Are they really getting overlooked, or is this just championship swagger with a purpose?
The Eastern Conference Is an Open Season
The FanDuel Sportsbook numbers actually back up Hart’s claim that they aren’t the overwhelming favorite. Heading into the season, the OKC Thunder are sitting at +230 and the San Antonio Spurs at +280 for the title. And our reigning champs? Tied for third at 10-1 with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ouch. If you zoom in on the Eastern Conference, it’s not much clearer. The Knicks lead the East odds at +360, but the 76ers (+400) and Boston Celtics (+550) are breathing down their necks. You’ve also got the Toronto Raptors at 8/1, plus the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons both at +850. An “open race” is an understatement. So maybe Hart isn’t just talking trash, the numbers really do put them in a position to feel like the hunter.
First Prey: The Philly 76ers
The front office clearly agrees with the “run it back” strategy, bringing nearly the entire roster back, including the whole starting lineup. That kind of continuity is huge. It lets them hit the ground running, especially when they’re claiming to be on the attack. This “hunters” mindset is a savvy move, keeping the team hungry and focused on proving everyone wrong. The real test kicks off October 20th, when they open the season against none other than the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers aren’t just any opponent; they’re bringing in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a team that already made it to the second round last year. That’s a serious contender right out of the gate.
So, as the Knicks get ready for opening night, every single one of those “not favorites” predictions is just more fuel for Josh Hart and the boys. Are they really being slept on, or is this just championship swagger mixed with a smart way to stay motivated? We’ll start finding out on October 20th when they step onto the court against the 76ers. The game is set, the challenge has been issued, and these hunters are ready to roar.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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