Knicks Stumble to 0-2 Start, Mitchell Robinson Absent from Banner Ceremony

The New York Knicks, defending NBA champions, have begun their season with a disappointing 0-2 record, a fate not seen for a defending champion since the 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks. Their latest loss came against the Boston Celtics with a close 107-103 score. Adding to the unusual start, reports indicate the team conducted a phishing test on employees using fake championship ring offers, while coaches received empty boxes during the ceremony. The team also reportedly signed former Lakers first-round pick Dalton Knecht.

Adding to the narrative of an uncharacteristic start, former Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who was the team's only major offseason departure, revealed he did not watch the banner-raising ceremony. Robinson's absence from the ceremony and his previous crucial role in the Knicks' championship run were highlighted as Karl-Anthony Towns and the team faced him in Boston. His departure was previously cited as a potential vulnerability for the Knicks' championship defense.