What happened: Zach Lowe asked executives, coaches and @kirkgoldsberry to name an Eastern Conference team for the Finals while barring picks of the Knicks and each respondent's own club. The responses were folded into a new episode of The Zach Lowe Show.

Why it matters: The exercise spotlights how the New York Knicks still shape the conference conversation after last season's Finals run. It also shifts attention to the next tier of Eastern contenders as teams head toward the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Preseason camp and early health updates should sharpen the East pecking order. Conference forecasts beyond New York will likely move once rotations and depth charts settle.