New York Knicks: Five predictions for second half of 2018-19
1. Knicks will not have the top lottery odds
The only benefit to NBA teams losing games is for draft positioning, and even that will not look as grand for the 2019 NBA Draft. It marks the first year of smoothened odds, as the teams with the three worst records will have an even 14-percent chance to win the No. 1 overall pick, although whoever has the worst record can fall as low as fifth.
The New York Knicks, as noted, have the NBA’s third-worst record. If the season were to end today, they would have a 14 percent chance at the top pick and could fall as low as seventh.
With other teams in a similar position to the Knicks, it’s difficult to guarantee them the top selection. That’s as the Cavaliers, Suns, Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls lose games and make it a season-long “battle” to the bottom.
The Knicks have focused on young talent and remain a contender to move players at the trade deadline, but those four teams could all do the same to weaken their roster and gain future assets.
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They all sit close in the standings, as well, which can easily place the Knicks fifth in lottery odds and, obviously, a smaller chance at that No. 1 pick, potentially Zion Williamson. It would disappoint the fans, but that won’t remove New York from this draft class’s top talents.