After raising their championship banner and getting their rings, the New York Knicks took the court against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers. Their previous postseason meeting ended with New York sweeping Philadelphia 4-0 in the second round last spring.

Philadelphia added elite talent in Jaylen Brown and LeBron James; both helped the Sixers to a 106-100 opening night victory. A former All-NBA player checks in with his opinion about the Knicks’ chances to repeat as NBA champions.

Gilbert Arenas Doesn’t Believe Knicks Have Enough to Repeat as Champions

Last spring, the Knicks embarked on an all-time classic postseason run, winning 16 of 19 games and winning their first championship since 1973. However, the team stood pat, re-signing players. According to former Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, the lack of impactful additions casts heavy doubt on the team’s ability to repeat.

“I look at a team that didn’t add any oomph to repeat, right? You you’re, you know, just like any team that didn’t think they were going to win this year, you’re just satisfied with keeping your team the same while everyone else is building to beat you,” he said.

In the offseason, the team made sure it brought back role players like Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado, key contributors who provided crucial minutes and production.

In fact, the team’s only major signing is veteran center Andre Drummond, who will serve as a backup to Karl-Anthony Towns. Arenas, who averaged 20.7 points across 11 NBA seasons, boiled the Knicks’ approach down to a simple pattern.

“So, watching the game, we know exactly what this looks like. Three quarters, you play a little bit team basketball. Fourth quarter. Give it to Brunson,” he said.

In effect, his analysis does break down how the team operates when they win games. Arenas’ point is that the Knicks lean heavily on Brunson late in games, whether they are trying to erase a deficit or close out an opponent.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Sixers made the aforementioned moves, in an attempt to close the gap. On top of that, Arenas mentioned the lack of a role that center Karl-Anthony Towns played in the game.

“So, the fact that you have a $200 million man or who wants 280-something and you’re only taking six, seven shots going into the fourth quarter, that’s not acceptable,” he added.

Recent reports place Towns’ maximum extension at roughly $276 million, although he has said he would take less than the maximum to remain in New York.

He made news when the Knicks announced they were pausing contract-extension talks until later in the season, and he finished with 19 points in 24 minutes. Granted, he did have four fouls, and playing Joel Embiid will see his foul numbers escalate.

Still, teams already focus on Brunson, which should leave Towns and his diverse skill set relatively open for shot opportunities. The Knicks have 81 more chances to improve on their opening night performance. Friday night, they will renew hostilities with their archrival, the Boston Celtics.