New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft prospects who make losing tolerable

1. Zion Williamson

The crème of the crop, Zion Williamson stands tall as the most fascinating player of the 2019 NBA Draft. He’s 6-foot-7 and over 280 pounds, but plays unlike anyone else right now, drawing comparisons to Charles Barkley. Even that might not line up.

At this point, the New York Knicks need the No. 1 overall pick to take Williamson. His unique combination of athleticism, power, and size are tantalizing, and it was all on display at Madison Square Garden.

Every team craves Williamson’s human highlight-reel game a ticket-seller that potentially leads a franchise to the promised land. The Knicks have waited on this for 46 years.

Is this the lone piece for a championship? No, but an incredible building block in a vulnerable Eastern Conference, now that LeBron James packed up and left for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Attaining Williamson, along with winning the lottery, means enduring losses for over half a season. Already on a painful losing skid, the Knicks have an inside track towards receiving the top pick, but at the expense of team morale and sloppy basketball.

For the front office, though, selecting Williamson gives them that crucial offseason “win.” It’s a building block for the future and someone to attact players in free agency, given this 19-year-old phenom holds enough power.

There’s no doubt, Williamson makes losing tolerable. The Knicks just need a perfect turn of events to place him in blue and orange for 2019-20.