Old kings, new kingdoms

THE NBA is back, and for the first time in years, the Eastern Conference looks every bit as dangerous as the West. The New York Knicks are defending champions, LeBron James has found another kingdom to rule, and the Miami Heat have assembled enough firepower to make The Association sweat. Out West, the kids are growing up, the veterans refuse to surrender, and the Los Angeles Clippers are, well, still the Clippers. Welcome to the 2026–2027 season, where old kings refuse to abdicate and new kingdoms are being built. Me thinks this could be the most competitive season in years. Let’s start in the East, where I see a three-horse race involving the Knicks, Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, with the Cleveland Cavaliers lurking dangerously in the background. The Knicks finally ended their 53-year championship drought last season. Jalen Brunson has proven you don’t need to be 6-foot-8 to dominate The Association. New York has the continuity, chemistry and swagger of a defending champion. Speaking of Boston, I believe the Celtics are toast. Sure, Jayson Tatum is back, but losing Jaylen Brown changes everything. Talent alone doesn’t win championships, and Boston’s window may already be closing. Miami, however, is an entirely different animal. With Giannis Antetokounmpo joining Bam Adebayo,...