The Knicks will officially be without one of their best players for the playoffs, as Julius Randle will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after battling to return for the postseason.
While the loss is a brutal one for New York, both Boomer and Gio believe that it shouldn’t remove the Knicks from the list of teams that could make a run to the finals.
“Yes,” Boomer said without hesitation when asked if the Knicks can still reach their first NBA Finals in 25 years.
As for winning it all, that gives Boomer some pause. And if the Knicks do go on a magical run, it would be no cakewalk if they have to face certain teams along the way.
“Man, I don’t know. I’m thinking it’s probably gonna be Denver again,” Boomer said. “Boston is gonna be a pain in the ass, especially with Porzingis playing as well as he is. I don’t know if they can get past Boston. I think they can get past Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Miami will be a pain in the ass. They’re always a pain in the ass because of that Heat Culture thing.”
Gio also still holds high expectations for the Knicks, at least if their other injured star returns for the playoffs.
“I think they can get to an Eastern Conference Final, and if Anunoby comes back and stays healthy, they can still get to an NBA Finals,” Gio said. “But I still think getting to an Eastern Conference Finals is the goal. One step further from last year.
“It’s gonna be a ‘what could have been year’ for me if they lose in the first or second round.”