Ceiling, floor for New York Knicks: Another trip to the playoffs awaits Jalen Brunson and Co.

Despite the negative image attached to the Knicks for seemingly decades, there's finally a valid reason to be optimistic about the basketball played at Madison Square Garden. How well they'll perform remains up for debate, but here's our prediction of the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Knicks this season:

Ceiling: 48-34 and Eastern Conference Finals exit

The Knicks were one of the most improved teams in the Association last season, finishing 47-35 and advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Point guard Jalen Brunson quickly justified his $104 million contract during his first season in New York, emerging as the top option for a strong supporting cast that includes 23-year-old RJ Barrett and two-time All-Star Julius Randle. 

New York's biggest strength remains its bench unit, headlined by Sixth Man of the Year finalist Immanuel Quickley, which was upgraded during the offseason. Last season, the Knicks posted the third-best plus-minus among all benches (+568). A full season with reserve swingman Josh Hart, who was acquired at February's trade deadline, should be beneficial as New York was tied for the best offensive rating in the NBA after trading for him (122.7). 

With forward Obi Toppin swapped out for guard Donte DiVincenzo, Hart will serve as a small-ball four, giving the Knicks a much-needed boost in versatility. Even so, the Knicks still lack the superstar who can elevate them to title contenders. However, if Brunson and Barrett continue to improve while Randle maintains his All-NBA level of play, New York will be a top-four seed in the East and a team no one wants to face in the postseason.

Floor: 43-39 and first-round playoff exit 

Since the Knicks return the majority of last season's group, it's difficult to imagine them regressing too much, but it's not out of the question. New York was fortunate to be one of the healthiest teams in the NBA, with five players playing more than 70 games, including 81 for Quickley, while backup center Isaiah Hartenstein logged 82 appearances. Although it's impossible to predict injuries, the Knicks probably won't repeat this level of health, especially knowing how heavily head coach Tom Thibodeau relies on his starting lineup.

Taking into account how the rest of the Eastern Conference has improved, the Knicks probably won't have as much success in certain matchups, namely those with Atlantic Division-rival Boston. The Knicks went 3-1 against the Celtics a season ago, though Boston has arguably improved more than any team this season with the additions of forward Kristaps Porziņģis and guard Jrue Holiday. 

Nevertheless, with how the roster is constructed and how the bottom half of the Eastern Conference shapes up, the Knicks have a solid enough floor for them to secure a playoff berth and avoid the play-in tournament comfortably.