New York Knicks: Five realistic goals for rest of 2018-19

1. Retaining the highest draft lottery odds

This is not a player goal. Why would anyone on the roster worry about the New York Knicks’ lottery odds? Instead, it’s a hypothetical front office “goal,” especially with this season lost, to have the best chance at the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Of course, the odds have been smoothened for this year’s process. The teams with the three worst records each own 14 percent odds to win the first selection.

However, if the Knicks own the NBA’s worst record at season’s end, they can only fall to fifth in the lottery. Landing second could drop them to sixth, and finishing third may result in the seventh pick.

While landing anywhere below first in the lottery would be a disappointment, the Knicks can keep a top-five selection and take one of RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish, Rui Hachimura or Ja Morant. It’s a quality group after Zion Williamson, who’s head and shoulders above everyone right now, and that’s even with those four players having the potential to become great NBA players.

Retaining the highest draft odds also makes this draft pick more valuable via trade. The Knicks were involved in Anthony Davis talks, but without Porzingis to headline an offer, this selection, depending on where it lands may be the most valuable asset to send New Orleans.

While keeping the highest draft lottery odds would represent a poor product on the court, it’s silver lining is the future of this team, giving it something exciting to add for 2019-20..