Knicks are not in the Scussin category. Not after not proven to win a playoff series with many of the players they've had on the team and their wild splits this year against the tough teams....Also what you describe for a group of teams also applies to other team not in those groups, you're not consistent
The way I see it...
Clear Cut
Heat
OKC
Heavily In the Scussion
Bulls
Spurs
Pacers
These teams are proven winners and/or have challenged those in the post-season who have gone far in the post-season recently. Regular season is Regular season....These teams play championship caliber basketball always consistent in what they do and how they play, are physically and mentally tough, evenly balanced on both sides of the ball and are tops of the league in defense
Sleepers/Darkhorses
Clippers
Memphis
All the teams above have these characteristics but these teams lack much/some of what's listed above.... Stars, Depth, Bigs, respectable defense, rebounding, 3's, veteran leadership, scoring inside & out, getting to the line, bench scoring, Solid regular season teams with little shot at the getting to the Finals & some flaws
Pretenders/Paper Champs
Knicks
Brooklyn
Teams that think they are good but really aren't at this time, likely early 1st or 2nd round exit teams
Exciting Regular Season/A Piece Away
Nuggets
Warriors
Houston
Hawks
Bucks
Could make noise a la Baron Davis/Warriors type team with difficult shot at getting to the finals, depends heavily on matchup(s), have multiple flaws. Not much difference between Paper Champs and Exciting Regular Season Team
Fading Legends
Lakers
Boston
Although could rear their ugly head with the heart of a champion