New York Knicks: Zion Williamson teases potential draft reality

Playing at the New York Knicks’ home arena, Madison Square Garden, Duke’s Zion Williamson put on a show.

If the 2018-19 season ended today, the New York Knicks would own the fifth-highest odds in the 2019 NBA draft lottery. Not a prime position for the next class’ top names, but still in the realm to land a main selection.

Zion Williamson sits at the top of this draft class. His unique combination of athleticism and body type has everyone salivating over what he will do in the NBA, with comparisons to Charles Barkley and even LeBron James.

However, could Williamson start his career with the Knicks? As they continue to lose and increase their chances for a high lottery pick, maybe so. That, of course, will not be known until May and June, but on Thursday, Dec. 20, the Duke freshman played his first game at the Knicks’ home, Madison Square Garden, and teased everything he may do there.

There was not much of a highlight reel for Williamson, who finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds on 4-for-9 shooting. He still hit the free throw line 10 times, though, as the Blue Devils defeated Texas Tech, 69-58.

What the 18-year-old said after the game, though, will open Knicks fans’ eyes.

Per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Williamson raved about playing at the Garden and referenced one of New York’s most famous players to star at this venue:

"“This is the Garden,” Williamson said. “A lot of greats have come through here. My favorite great to come through here was probably Bernard King because my stepdad talked about him a lot how he just put the ball in the basket. … I had to go watch his highlights. He could really score the basketball. He was incredible how he did it.“Playing 41 games here wouldn’t be so bad.”"

What about actually donning a Knicks jersey? While Williamson said he does not care where he goes in the draft, this may only enhance the dream fans have of the future top pick in the Big Apple:

The NBA season has about four months left. The lottery is still five months away. The draft is another six months away. There’s too much time for everything to change, as the Knicks’ positioning in the standings can waver and either fall to the bottom or rise a few spots.

Right now, it seems New York will trend further towards the bottom. They have lost seven of their last eight games, but still sit in the fifth-worst spot, due to the poor season-long play of the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns.

If Williamson lands with the Knicks in the draft, which will probably take the No. 1 overall pick, he immediately provides a positive outlook for the organization’s future. Pairing with Kristaps Porzingis, they make for a formidable duo, with the chance for a big-name free agent to arrive in July.

There’s no shortage of young talent around them, either. Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, Allonzo Trier, Frank Ntilikina and Damyean Dotson have all flashed something in their first two seasons. Emmanuel Mudiay and Noah Vonleh, if they return, have resurrected their own, respective careers to become intriguing players.

An interesting core exists if the New York Knicks move into Williamson position. For now, it’s just a pipe dream, but one that can become reality as soon as May’s lottery.