Can Knicks Contend for First Title Since 1973?

The New York Knicks are one of the most historic franchises in NBA history, but they have not won the NBA Finals since 1973.

In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey , he predicts the most heated debates in the NBA this season. One of the questions he asks is whether or not the Knicks are a legitimate contender.

"Things are lining up for New York to be one of the league's most likable and talked-about teams, but it remains to be seen how close it is to real title contention," Bailey writes. "So, while the Knicks will provide plenty of topics to discuss over the next several months, we don't know if them being real contenders will be one of them."

The Knicks made a number of moves in order to contend for their first title in decades, but their path to the end of the playoffs will not be easy.

Related: Knicks Not Quite Championship Contenders?

The most obvious blockade in their path is the reigning champion Boston Celtics. But now, the Philadelphia 76ers have acquired Paul George, and are ready to be at the top of the Eastern Conference as well.

While it is going to be very tough to get to the NBA Finals with how much the East has improved, the Knicks are no stranger to defying the odds.