In a recent poll conducted by ESPN, a group of NBA coaches, scouts, and executives were asked to weigh in on an intriguing question: Which team has a better roster, the Philadelphia 76ers or the New York Knicks? Both teams have been active in shaping their squads for the 2023-2024 season, with high aspirations of contending in the Eastern Conference. After polling decision-makers from around the league, the verdict was clear—those surveyed gave the Knicks a “significant edge” over the 76ers. The consensus was bolstered by one Western Conference executive who noted that the Knicks’ wing defenders would pose a “real challenge” to conference powerhouse Boston.
The New York Knicks have steadily improved under head coach Tom Thibodeau, transforming from perennial underachievers to legitimate playoff contenders. The team’s current roster features a strong mix of talent, with All-Star Julius Randle, rising star Jalen Brunson, and the explosive wing play of RJ Barrett leading the way. One of the key reasons why the Knicks were favored in the poll is their depth, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
Their acquisition of players like Josh Hart and the emergence of Quentin Grimes as a defensive stopper on the wing has given the Knicks versatility on both ends of the court. Jalen Brunson’s arrival last season also brought much-needed stability to the point guard position, and his leadership has quickly become the cornerstone of the team. Brunson’s ability to control the game and his clutch performances during the playoffs earned him praise from around the league, making him a centerpiece of the Knicks’ plans moving forward.
For many of the coaches and executives polled, the Knicks’ roster is appealing not just because of their current stars, but because of the overall balance of talent. They possess young players with room to grow, solid veteran leadership, and role players who fit into Thibodeau’s defensive system. One executive pointed out that the Knicks’ wing defenders, including Hart, Barrett, and Grimes, are uniquely positioned to give elite offensive teams like the Boston Celtics a “real challenge,” particularly in a playoff setting.
On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers entered the season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Joel Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, is the anchor of the franchise, but the team has been surrounded by distractions, most notably the ongoing trade saga involving James Harden. Harden’s desire to be traded has cast a shadow over the team, impacting chemistry and leaving question marks about the Sixers’ long-term stability.
While Embiid remains one of the most dominant forces in the league, capable of single-handedly carrying a team, the supporting cast around him has been a point of debate. Tyrese Maxey has shown tremendous growth and could very well be an All-Star this season, but beyond that, the 76ers lack the depth that teams like the Knicks possess. Tobias Harris is a reliable scorer but has not consistently lived up to the expectations that came with his max contract. The uncertainty surrounding Harden’s status, combined with the pressure on head coach Nick Nurse in his first year with the team, has left many wondering whether the Sixers can truly compete with the top teams in the East.
The decision-makers polled by ESPN seemed to agree that while Embiid is a singular talent, the overall construction of Philadelphia’s roster remains in flux. One Eastern Conference scout noted, “There’s just too much uncertainty with the 76ers right now. Embiid is great, but the team around him doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence, especially with all the Harden drama hanging over them.”
According to the poll results, the Knicks were given a clear edge due to their defensive depth, chemistry, and long-term potential. Multiple respondents highlighted the continuity that the Knicks have built, with the same core group returning and additional key pieces added in the offseason. One scout pointed to their ability to switch defensively and play multiple styles, which could be crucial when facing top-tier teams like the Celtics and Bucks in the playoffs.
While the 76ers boast an MVP-caliber player in Embiid, the Knicks’ overall roster construction appears to be more solid, especially in terms of balance and cohesion. The poll respondents emphasized that the Knicks’ stability, coupled with the absence of off-court drama, puts them in a better position to challenge the best teams in the East this season.
The Knicks and the 76ers are both expected to be in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but according to the ESPN poll, the decision-makers around the league seem to favor New York as the team with the brighter immediate future. If the Knicks’ wing defenders can live up to the hype and Jalen Brunson continues his ascent, they could be in for a deep playoff run.
For the 76ers, much will depend on how the James Harden situation resolves and whether the team can build the chemistry needed to maximize Embiid’s prime years. Until then, the Knicks appear to have the upper hand in the eyes of NBA coaches, scouts, and executives—a testament to the team’s progress and potential in what promises to be a competitive Eastern Conference.